The tumor microenvironment is often associated Nanoparticles for more effective immunotherapy with a very low pH value. Researchers from the Researchers from the SNI network have explored an innovative SNI network are investigating how nanoparticles approach with a view to improving the effectiveness of existing can be used to neutralize intracellular acidity of tumor and immune-suppressing cells. Initial cancer treatments such as immunotherapies. To this end, they studies indicate that reducing the acidity can developed nanoparticles carrying a drug known as esomepra- have a positive effect on the body’s immune re- zole (commonly used to treat gastric acidity) in order to target sponse to the tumor. (Image: FHNW, generated with Canva) and reduce tumor acidity. When tested on skin cancer cells, these nanoparticles not only reduced the acidic environment of tumor cells, but also altered their behavior. This included a reduction in factors that help tumors evade the immune system. Moreover, the treatment modified immunosuppressive cells from patients in a way that boosted their ability to support the body’s natural immune response against cancer. Original publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.111559 SNI Annual Report 2024 29