{"title":"Engineering cells for solid tumor therapy.","authors":"Yuyang Xiao, Yue Wu, Qinyan Cao, Lina Wu, Yanan Li, Guang Yang, He Huang, Lingtong Meng","doi":"10.1016/j.tips.2026.06.002","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Living cell therapy and nonliving drugs are both key approaches for treating solid tumors. Engineering living cells with nonliving drugs harnesses their complementary advantages to enhance therapeutic outcomes. However, inappropriate engineering methods or design strategies can compromise the synergy between cells and drugs. In this review, we provide a decision framework that matches engineering strategies to cell types and drug properties, yielding baseline-qualified engineered cells. To address barriers specific to solid tumors, we then discuss strategies for equipping cells with additional functions that enable deeper penetration, resistance to immunosuppression, and controlled release. We also discuss emerging strategies to increase their safety during clinical translation. This review aims to guide the rational design of next-generation engineered cell therapies to achieve improved clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23250,"journal":{"name":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","volume":" ","pages":"855-870"},"PeriodicalIF":24.0000,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2026.06.002","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2026/7/7 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Living cell therapy and nonliving drugs are both key approaches for treating solid tumors. Engineering living cells with nonliving drugs harnesses their complementary advantages to enhance therapeutic outcomes. However, inappropriate engineering methods or design strategies can compromise the synergy between cells and drugs. In this review, we provide a decision framework that matches engineering strategies to cell types and drug properties, yielding baseline-qualified engineered cells. To address barriers specific to solid tumors, we then discuss strategies for equipping cells with additional functions that enable deeper penetration, resistance to immunosuppression, and controlled release. We also discuss emerging strategies to increase their safety during clinical translation. This review aims to guide the rational design of next-generation engineered cell therapies to achieve improved clinical outcomes.
期刊介绍：
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences (TIPS) is a monthly peer-reviewed reviews journal that focuses on a wide range of topics in pharmacology, pharmacy, pharmaceutics, and toxicology. Launched in 1979, TIPS publishes concise articles discussing the latest advancements in pharmacology and therapeutics research.
The journal encourages submissions that align with its core themes while also being open to articles on the biopharma regulatory landscape, science policy and regulation, and bioethics.
Each issue of TIPS provides a platform for experts to share their insights and perspectives on the most exciting developments in the field. Through rigorous peer review, the journal ensures the quality and reliability of published articles.
Authors are invited to contribute articles that contribute to the understanding of pharmacology and its applications in various domains. Whether it's exploring innovative drug therapies or discussing the ethical considerations of pharmaceutical research, TIPS provides a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the pharmacological sciences.
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