Immune-Modifying Particles Modulate Tumor Microenvironment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cancer therapies have limited efficacy due to their inability to effectively target immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment, particularly myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which dampen anti-tumor immune responses and promote tumor progression.
Innovation Solution
Administering immune-modifying particles (IMPs) that are negatively charged and free from antigens or bioactive agents, which alter MDSCs, TAMs, neutrophils, and the tumor stroma, thereby enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapies by modulating the tumor microenvironment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cancer therapies target tumor cells directly, then tumor cell killing is improved, but immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment remain untreated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the therapeutic approach into two distinct components: (1) direct tumor cell targeting therapies (chemotherapy, immunotherapy) and (2) immune microenvironment modulation using negatively charged particles. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of cancer therapy independently, resolving the contradiction between targeting tumor cells and addressing immune suppressive factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces negatively charged particles as an intermediary agent that modulates the immune microenvironment. These particles act as a mediator between the tumor and the immune system, altering the behavior of MDSCs, TAMs, and other immune cells without directly targeting tumor cells, thus enabling dual-action therapy.
2Reliability
If immune checkpoint inhibitors are used to enhance anti-tumor immune responses, then T-cell activity is improved, but the presence of MDSCs and TAMs dampens the therapeutic efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using negatively charged particles to pre-modulate the immune microenvironment before or concurrent with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The particles alter MDSCs and TAMs in advance, reducing their suppressive capacity before T-cells are activated by checkpoint inhibitors, thereby preventing the dampening effect on therapeutic efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful immunosuppressive activity of MDSCs and TAMs into a benefit by using negatively charged particles to redirect their function. The particles transform these suppressive cells into cells that support anti-tumor immunity, turning the harmful factor into an ally of the therapeutic approach.
3Reliability
If combination therapies targeting both tumor cells and immune microenvironment are implemented, then overall therapeutic benefit is improved, but treatment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing negatively charged particles with multi-functional capabilities. These particles simultaneously perform multiple functions: modulating MDSCs, altering TAMs, affecting neutrophils, and influencing the overall immune microenvironment. This single agent with multiple functions reduces the need for multiple separate therapies, thereby simplifying the treatment regimen while maintaining comprehensive therapeutic benefit.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods of treating cancer and proliferative diseases using immune-modifying particles in combination with cancer therapeutics, such as checkpoint inhibitors or biologic agents, to modify the activity of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), neutrophils, monocytes, and/or tumor-associated stroma associated with promoting tumor growth and metastasis.