DATA-Controlling T Cell-Tumor Cell Interaction with A Biomimetic Physical Barrier for Cancer Immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy often fails because infiltrating T cells in the tumor microenvironment are suppressed by immunosuppressive signals, leading to dysfunction and exhaustion. This study demonstrates a therapeutic strategy based on a physical barrier created by a hydrogel, which establishes a protective zone for T cells within the tumor microenvironment. This approach enables T cell accumulation and delays T cell exhaustion process, effectively suppressing tumor growth. When combined with OX40 antibody therapy, this strategy achieves a 50% tumor cure rate. These findings provide a perspective for cancer treatment, bridging materials science and immunology to address critical challenges in immunotherapy.