Chinese scientists have established a new technology platform that reveals how genetic mutations in tumors reshape the microenvironment and modulate immune responses, a discovery that could explain why modern cancer treatments often fail in patients whose cancers have spread.
The study, published in the journal Cell on Thursday, was jointly conducted by a Shanghai-based team from the Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with teams from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Guangzhou Laboratory.
Using the new technology platform called CLIM-TIME (CRISPR-Laser-captured microdissection Integration Mapping of Tumor Immune Microenvironment), the researchers analyzed 391 common tumor suppressor genes to see how they reshape the tumor microenvironment — the biological neighborhood surrounding a tumor, and classified them into seven distinct subtypes.
The researchers found that the loss of certain tumor suppressor genes — genes that normally prevent cancer growth — triggers a massive buildup of collagen. This excess collagen makes the tumor structure so dense that it acts like a wall, preventing T cells — the body's natural "assassin" cells — from reaching and killing the cancer.
"It acts like a spider weaving a web. This web not only supports itself but also recruits and reshapes other normal cells from the body into accomplices that help shape this suppressive environment, blocking T cells' entry," said Wang Guangchuan, researcher at the Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science.
The team identified a specific molecule called LOXL2 as the architect of this barrier. In tests on mice, researchers found that by blocking LOXL2, they could dissolve the collagen wall. This allowed T cells to penetrate the tumor and significantly boosted the power of immunotherapy drugs.
We combined this with current CAR-T cell therapy. One major issue with CAR-T is that it can't enter solid tumors. When treating human tumors with CAR-T, if we use a small molecule to target this protein we've identified, it could significantly improve CAR-T treatment outcomes. Of course, when it comes to clinical application, we still need to evaluate its safety [and other indicators]," Wang said.
CAR-T is an immunotherapy involving the genetic engineering of a patient's T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Chinese scientists develop new technology to decode immunotherapy resistance in tumor microenvironment
China and Ukraine should stick to the right direction and maintain stable and healthy development in bilateral relations, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday in Munich.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
Noting that the international situation has undergone great changes, Wang said China stays committed to the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, cherishes the traditional friendship between China and Ukraine, and continues to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields.
Wang said that China-Ukraine trade developed steadily last year, making China remain as Ukraine's largest trading partner and the largest source of imports. Besides, various meetings of the intergovernmental cooperation committees between the two countries were held successively, bringing benefits to both peoples.
China is willing to provide new humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, and hopes that the Ukrainian side will continue to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Ukraine, he said.
On the Ukraine crisis, Wang said it is gratifying to see that various dialogues have been intensively carried on recently. He stressed that China's position is consistent and has always followed the four principles put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping, as China stays firm in its objective and just position, and actively promotes peace talks.
The four principles include that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be observed, the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously, and all efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of the crisis should be supported, according to China's Foreign Ministry.
China is willing to maintain communication with Ukraine and work with the international community to play a constructive role in the early political settlement of the crisis, Wang said.
For his part, Sybiha said that Ukraine and China enjoy a traditional friendship and are important strategic partners. He described China as a major country with significant international influence, saying that the Ukrainian side attaches great importance to developing relations with China, and there is huge potential for bilateral cooperation.
Ukraine adheres to the one-China principle and will take practical measures to safeguard the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and enterprises in Ukraine, he added, saying that Ukraine appreciates China's consistent respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and its positive efforts to promote peace talks.
The war in Ukraine should come to an end, he noted, expressing hope that China would play an important role in achieving an early ceasefire and comprehensive peace.
China-Ukraine relations should maintain stable, healthy development: Chinese FM
