IIT Bombay Scientists Develop Safer Method to Recover T-Cells for Cancer Therapy
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NEW DELHI (TheTrendingPeople): Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay have developed a simpler and more efficient technique to recover immune cells grown in laboratories for T-cell–based cancer treatments, offering a major boost to advanced immunotherapy research in India.
The new method focuses on improving the survival and quality of T-cells used in therapies such as CAR T-cell treatment, where modified immune cells are infused back into patients to fight cancer.
In modern cancer immunotherapy, T-cells are extracted from a patient’s blood, multiplied and engineered in the laboratory, and then reintroduced into the body to target cancer cells.
However, one of the biggest challenges in this process is safely collecting these lab-grown cells without damaging them.
The IIT Bombay team, led by Prakriti Tayalia, focused on developing a gentler recovery process that preserves the cells’ health and function.
“Without enough healthy cells, you cannot test them properly or use them for therapy,” Tayalia said.
To recreate conditions similar to the human body, the researchers used electrospun scaffolds—thin fibre-like structures that resemble dense networks.
These scaffolds were made using polycaprolactone and were designed to support the growth of Jurkat T-cells, a commonly used human T-cell line in laboratory research.
Under microscopic observation, scientists found that the cells actively moved into the scaffold and became tightly embedded within the fibres.
When researchers attempted to recover the cells using trypsin, a commonly used enzyme, they observed significant cell damage and death.
In contrast, using accutase, a milder enzyme, resulted in much higher cell survival rates.
Reactions From the Research Team
Explaining the significance of the findings, Prof. Tayalia said harsh enzymes can harm critical surface proteins needed for immune response.
“Harsh treatments using enzymes such as trypsin can damage key surface proteins needed for immune signalling and activation. Accutase appears mild enough to avoid this problem,” she said.
The recovered cells using accutase were able to form clusters, divide normally, and continue growing—signs of healthy immune behaviour.
“This is crucial if these cells are to be used in real therapies,” she added.
Impact on Cancer Treatment
The study has important implications for CAR T-cell and other T-cell–based therapies, which are increasingly being used to treat blood cancers and certain solid tumours.
By improving cell recovery:
- More viable T-cells can be prepared for patients
- Treatment success rates may improve
- Manufacturing costs may be reduced
- Lab-to-clinic translation could become faster
Experts say such improvements are vital if advanced immunotherapies are to become widely accessible in India and other developing countries.
The research also highlights how small technical refinements can have a major impact on patient outcomes.
Broader Scientific Significance
Beyond cancer therapy, the technique could benefit studies related to HIV, autoimmune disorders, and immune system research.
Using electrospun scaffolds combined with gentle recovery methods may become a standard approach in future biomedical laboratories.
The findings were published in the international journal Biomaterials Science, adding to India’s growing contribution to global medical research.
The IIT Bombay study marks an important step toward making T-cell–based cancer therapies more reliable and scalable. By identifying accutase as a safer recovery agent, researchers have addressed one of the most critical bottlenecks in immunotherapy production.
With better cell survival and function, patients may benefit from more effective and consistent treatments in the future.
Our Final Thoughts
This breakthrough shows how innovation at the laboratory level can directly influence patient care. While immunotherapy is often seen as high-end medicine, its success depends on practical solutions like safe cell recovery.
The IIT Bombay team’s work demonstrates that India is playing a growing role in cutting-edge biomedical research. If supported with sustained funding and industry collaboration, such efforts could help make life-saving cancer treatments more affordable and accessible to millions in the years ahead.
