interleukin 12-secreting genetically engineered myeloid cells

**Interleukin 12-secreting genetically engineered myeloid cells (IL12-GEMys)** are a cell therapy platform where myeloid cells, including monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells, are genetically modified to produce interleukin-12 (IL-12), a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Developed primarily by researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) led by Dr. Ronny Kaplan, these cells exploit the natural tumor-homing ability of myeloid cells to deliver IL-12 locally within immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments (TME) and pre-metastatic niches. IL-12 activates antigen presentation, cytotoxic T cells, and NK cells, reverses immune suppression by downregulating immunosuppressive pathways, and reprograms the TME, leading to reduced primary tumor burden, inhibited metastasis, and prolonged survival in preclinical mouse models of cancers such as rhabdomyosarcoma, lung cancer, melanoma, and glioblastoma. Administered intravenously, IL12-GEMys peak IL-12 production in tumors and lungs, with human cell versions showing promise in lab studies; clinical trials for safety in adult and pediatric cancer patients are planned.[1][2][3][8]

Other names

Genetically Engineered Myeloid cells secreting IL-12