Weill Cornell Medicine researchers reported in Cancer Cell that activated T cells can secrete extracellular vesicles containing DNA that enter immune and tumor cells to enhance antigen processing and presentation. In preclinical mouse models across immunologically “cold” tumors, the T cell-derived EVs improved antigen presentation in tumor cells and dendritic cells. The vesicle-associated DNA also showed synergy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, leading to stronger antitumor responses and suppressed tumor growth in models where checkpoint therapy alone may underperform. David Lyden, MD, PhD, described the vesicle DNA as a natural mechanism that could be leveraged therapeutically. The paper frames the approach as an acellular immunotherapy direction, potentially offering a way to deliver genetic payloads to cells without viral vectors.