A new study reveals that Salmonella, a common bacterium typically associated with foodborne illness, can be genetically engineered to combat bowel cancer. Scientists from the University of Birmingham and the University of Glasgow have discovered that modified Salmonella strains can target and destroy cancer cells while allowing the patient's immune system to remain functional. This breakthrough offers a promising new avenue for bowel cancer treatment.
The research, published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, highlights the potential of transforming a disease-causing agent into a powerful anti-cancer therapy. Dr. Alastair Copland, the study's first author and research fellow at the University of Birmingham, noted that this approach could "turn a disease-causing bug like Salmonella into one that combats cancer."
Overcoming Immune Suppression
Previous attempts to use Salmonella in cancer treatment have been hampered by the bacterium's tendency to suppress the patient's immune system, limiting its effectiveness. The new study addresses this challenge by identifying a specific protein responsible for T cell dysfunction during Salmonella treatment. By targeting this protein, researchers aim to unleash the full potential of the therapy.
Dr. Catherine Elliott, director of research at Cancer Research UK, described the study as "exciting" and "providing hope for patients." The charity funded the joint study between the University of Birmingham and the University of Glasgow.
Mouse Model Results
The study demonstrated that genetically engineered forms of Salmonella stimulated T cells in mice with bowel cancer, allowing the mice’s immune systems to continue to function during their cancer treatment. This suggests that the modified bacteria can selectively target cancer cells without causing widespread immune suppression.
Future Directions
While these findings are encouraging, further research is necessary to fully understand the impact of Salmonella on cancer and refine the bacterial treatment for clinical use. The team plans to conduct additional studies to optimize the engineered Salmonella strains and evaluate their safety and efficacy in preclinical models. The ultimate goal is to develop a novel therapeutic approach that can improve outcomes for patients with bowel cancer.
