Invention of 'killer plane' that kills cancer cells

Scientists have successfully developed a nano-sized "drones" that can be inserted into cells to kill cancer .

The groundbreaking research was conducted by Professor Kang Se-byung and Professor Sung Ho Park, Department of Biological Sciences at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST). The results were published in Nano Today magazine on December 2.

Innate lymphoid cells , called natural killer (NK) cells , play an important role in the immune response against cancer. Previously, scientists have made many efforts to harness the power of NK cells to develop effective cancer therapy. Now, the research team has successfully created microscopic drones called NKeND , which interact with cells and kill cancer.

Illustration of cancer cells. (Photo: Industrial News).

NKeND's two tasks include targeting cancer cells and activating killer cells. Tests on mice showed that the cell-guiding microplanes effectively eliminated targeted cancer cells. As a result, the tumor was significantly inhibited, leaving no noticeable side effects.

Groundbreaking research demonstrates a new approach to developing cancer-specific cell engagers using protein-caged nanoparticles and recombinant cancer cell adhesins.

The method offers great potential for selective treatment of previously difficult-to-treat cancers. Professor Kang Se-byung expressed excitement about the research, saying that this is a path to help overcome previous challenges, overcoming challenges such as killer cell migration and survival.