Experimental cancer vaccine makes its own oxygen and gives T-cells a boost

by Katya Poltorak, Northeastern University

edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Robert Egan

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Add as preferred source This sponge-like cryogel cancer vaccine does double duty: training immune cells while generating oxygen to help them fight tumors. Credit: Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University When it comes to priorities in life, oxygen tops the list. Humans can go weeks without food and days without water. Take away the ability to breathe, however, and the clock starts ticking within minutes as the brain begins shutting down. But the life-giving gas does even more heavy lifting than you might think.

The immune system, which battles cancer with the help of specialized fighters, such as T cells, relies on oxygen to mount its attack.