Researchers at Peking University have unveiled a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment that turns tumors against themselves. A team led by Professor Peng Chen recently published Nature findings about their iVAC vaccine – a molecular Trojan Horse designed to penetrate tumors and expose their hidden vulnerabilities.
The Immune System's New Ally
While traditional immunotherapies struggle with "immune-cold tumors" that evade detection, iVAC takes a radically different approach. This 18 kDa molecule infiltrates cancer cells and performs three synchronized actions: disabling their protective PD-L1 shields, forcing antigen exposure, and marking malignant cells for immune destruction.
From Stealth to Spotlight
"Our goal wasn't just better target suppression," Chen explained. "By making cancer cells process and display their own abnormal proteins, we convert hidden threats into glaring targets for T cells." Early testing shows promise in addressing treatment resistance seen in non-small cell lung cancer and other challenging malignancies.
A New Frontier in Precision Medicine
The breakthrough builds on the team's earlier GlueTAC technology developed in 2021. Unlike conventional approaches, iVAC's small size allows deep penetration into solid tumors while maintaining precise control over cellular processes. As research progresses, this approach could personalize cancer treatment by leveraging each tumor's unique biological signature.
