JERUSALEM, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Israeli and U.S. researchers have developed a new type of engineered antibody that could help the immune system fight cancer more effectively, the Weizmann Institute of Science said on Wednesday.

The findings were published in the journal Cell. The research looked at macrophages, a type of immune cell that normally helps protect the body. Inside tumors, however, these cells can sometimes support cancer growth.

Previous studies had identified a subset of macrophages with high levels of a receptor called TREM2. Tumors use these TREM2-high cells to suppress the immune system, and patients with many of these cells often respond poorly to treatment.

The new study aimed to redirect these macrophages toward a healthy function. The researchers created molecules called MiTEs, which are designed to block the harmful TREM2 macrophages while also activating other immune cells to attack the cancer.

A key feature of MiTEs is their targeted delivery. They carry an immune-activating protein that remains inactive while circulating in the body. It is only activated when the MiTEs reach the tumor, where specific enzymes remove a protective cover. This helps concentrate the treatment where it is needed and reduces side effects.

Tests in mice showed that MiTEs could shrink tumors. They also activated immune cells in samples taken from human cancer patients.

The researchers said the approach could potentially work against many types of cancer because it targets general pathways of the immune system.

They plan to continue testing the molecules for safety and explore combining them with existing treatments to develop more precise therapies. Enditem