UCLA Boosts p53 in T Cells to Kill More Melanoma Cells in Lab Tests

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 2

UCLA researchers found that temporarily increasing p53 in human T cells made them more effective at killing melanoma cells in laboratory experiments and reduced signs of immune-cell exhaustion.
Navtemadlin, an experimental drug used during T-cell preparation, raised p53 activity and left the cells with more energy and longer-lasting traits that could strengthen existing cell therapies.
Dose proved critical: higher levels of p53 activation killed more T cells, while lower doses delivered the desired effects without sharply reducing healthy cells.
The work remains preclinical — tests were done in human cells in a dish, not in animals or patients — and researchers still need animal studies, broader cancer testing and eventual clinical trials.