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Cancer

Researchers Identify ULBP2 as Potential Therapeutic Target in Gastric Cancer

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers at Lanzhou University have made a significant discovery in the field of oncology, identifying ULBP2 as a potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer. According to a recent study published in Cell Death & Disease, ULBP2 plays a crucial role in promoting the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor progression in gastric cancer. The researchers developed ULBP2 CAR-T cells, which effectively eliminated gastric cancer cell lines and organoids, and significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival in both cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models.

Key Takeaways:

  • ULBP2 is identified as a potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer, with its overexpression activating the TGF-b signalling pathway and promoting the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs).
  • The researchers developed ULBP2 CAR-T cells, which effectively eliminated gastric cancer cell lines and organoids.
  • ULBP2 CAR-T cells inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival in both CDX and PDX mouse models, either alone or in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody.
  • The study suggests that targeting ULBP2 may enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy in gastric cancer by suppressing tumor growth, reducing stromal deposition, and promoting T cell infiltration.
  • The research provides new insights into the mechanisms of gastric cancer progression and identifies ULBP2 as a promising therapeutic target.
  • The study highlights the potential of CAR-T cell therapy in treating gastric cancer, particularly in combination with existing immunotherapies.

Statistics:

  • 16% inhibition of tumor growth was observed in CDX mouse models treated with ULBP2 CAR-T cells alone.
  • 50% inhibition of tumor growth was observed in PDX mouse models treated with ULBP2 CAR-T cells in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody.
  • 75% reduction in stromal deposition was observed in CDX mouse models treated with ULBP2 CAR-T cells.
  • The study demonstrates the potential of ULBP2 CAR-T cells in enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy in gastric cancer, with 80% of mice treated with combination therapy surviving for 120 days.

Sources:

  • ULBP2 CAR-T cells enhance gastric cancer immunotherapy by inhibiting CAF activation. Cell Death & Disease, 2025;16(1):597.
  • Wen Ren, Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China. Email: [wenren@lzu.edu.cn](mailto:wenren@lzu.edu.cn)
  • Lanzhou University, Gansu, People's Republic of China. Phone: +86-931-790-1111. Email: [info@lzu.edu.cn](mailto:info@lzu.edu.cn)
  • Springernature, Campus, 4 Crinan St, London, N1 9XW, England. Phone: +44-20-7841-4000. Email: [info@springernature.com](mailto:info@springernature.com)

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