Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered a way to boost the effectiveness of T cells against cancer by blocking a single protein called Ant2.
The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that inhibiting Ant2 forces immune cells to rewire their internal energy production, making them more resilient and aggressive in attacking tumors.
An international team led by PhD student Omri Yosemen and Professor Michael Berger from the Hebrew University's Faculty of Medicine conducted the research alongside experts from Germany and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
By disrupting the protein, the scientists essentially re-engineered the mitochondria—the energy-producing hubs within cells—to place T cells in a state of heightened readiness.
Metabolic reprogramming boosts cell endurance
This metabolic shift allows the modified T cells to multiply faster and maintain greater endurance while targeting cancer cells with increased precision.
"By disabling Ant2, we triggered a complete shift in how T cells produce and use energy," said Professor Berger. "This reprogramming made them significantly better at recognizing and killing cancer cells."
The findings suggest that this cellular transformation does not require genetic modification. The researchers found that the metabolic shift could potentially be triggered using drugs.
This discovery offers a new pathway for drug development, moving beyond simply guiding the immune system to fundamentally upgrading its functional capacity.
"By learning how to control the power source of our immune cells, we may be able to unlock therapies that are both more natural and more effective," Berger said.