By using nanotechnology inspired by computer chip manufacturing, they have found a way to create longer-lasting and more powerful cancer-fighting immune cells.

CAR T-cell therapy is a cutting-edge cancer treatment that uses a patient’s own immune cells — specifically T cells — to fight cancer more effectively. Doctors collect T cells from the patient’s blood. T cells are white blood cells that help the immune system recognize and attack threats. In a lab, scientists genetically modify these T cells to produce chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their surface. These receptors act like tiny homing devices that allow the T cells to recognize specific proteins (antigens) found on cancer cells. The newly engineered CAR T cells are grown in large numbers until there are enough to treat the patient.

While this treatment has been successful against certain blood cancers, like leukemia and lymphoma, the engineered CAR T cells often lose strength too quickly to keep fighting the disease.