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Singapore is at the forefront of integrating digital technology with healthcare, pioneering advancements that enhance medical services and patient care. The fusion of digital technology and health tech in Singapore has resulted in a robust ecosystem fostering innovation and efficiency across various healthcare domains.
In the intricate realm of human health, the immune system reigns as a shield against pathogens and diseases. Among its defense mechanisms, cell-mediated cytotoxicity stands as a crucial process, involving immune cells in combatting foreign entities.
However, until recently, understanding this process remained a challenge due to limitations in analysis methods. Assistant Professor Cheow Lih Feng, alongside his team at the NUS Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, has devised a groundbreaking solution.
Termed PAINTKiller (proximity affinity intracellular transfer identification of killer cells), this pioneering method marks a paradigm shift. It introduces a novel approach to pinpoint immune cells responsible for eliminating target cells, replacing laborious and less precise conventional techniques.
PAINTKiller’s methodology revolves around ‘painting’ the surface of killer cells engaged in cell-mediated cytotoxicity. By employing an intracellular staining dye, CFSE, the team labelled foreign cells. This dye, upon release during cell lysis, is captured by modified immune cells, facilitating the identification of killer cells.
The ramifications of PAINTKiller extend beyond mere identification. The method, validated through experiments, showcases the potential to sort and cultivate different killer cell subtypes, demonstrating enhanced killing efficiency and durability over time. Such findings hint at the prospects for advanced cell-based immunotherapies.
Moreover, the flexibility of PAINTKiller shines in combination with the cytokine secretion assay (CSA). This integration allows simultaneous detection of surface receptors capturing CFSE and vital signalling proteins (cytokines) released by immune cells during responses, providing comprehensive insights into cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
Realising the complexity of immune responses, the team elevated PAINTKiller further with the single-cell PAINTKiller-seq assay. This innovative sequencing workflow delves into the molecular landscape of CFSE-labeled killer cells, offering a deep understanding of genetic variations and molecular factors linked to their activity during cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
Dr Wu Tongjin highlights the transformative potential of PAINTKiller in enhancing cell-based immunotherapy and streamlining manufacturing processes. Its adaptability promises significant strides in elevating the quality and functionality of therapeutic products, heralding a substantial leap forward in the field.
Looking ahead, the NUS team aims to expand PAINTKiller’s versatility, exploring diverse cell combinations to unravel immune response complexities. This ambitious trajectory positions PAINTKiller as an indispensable tool, poised to redefine research and clinical applications in the domain of health technology.
Several other universities are actively investigating the integration of state-of-the-art technology to enhance healthcare solutions and improve outcomes. OpenGov Asia reported that NTU Singapore and SGH are forging a path to revolutionise healthcare by establishing a Joint Research & Development Laboratory in additive manufacturing (3D printing).
This partnership, bridging SGH’s 3D Printing Centre with NTU’s Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP), aims to pioneer personalised medical solutions, including custom devices and implants, benefiting patients at SGH. While these innovations are still in development, they signify a promising shift in patient treatment and care.
In New Zealand, researchers at the University of Waikato, in partnership with healthcare practitioners, are initiating a study focused on tackling crucial diagnostic and management challenges within systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic and unpredictable condition.
Employing a digital technology-centred approach, this study aims to gather pivotal data, ultimately advancing comprehension and establishing comprehensive guidelines for addressing this relatively underexplored condition in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
