Tumour-resident oncolytic bacteria trigger potent anticancer effects through selective intratumoural thrombosis and necrosis Original paper
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
-
Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
-
Intratumoural Microbiota
Intratumoural Microbiota
With the growing understanding of the intratumoral microbiota’s influence on cancer progression, the next frontier in cancer therapy is microbiota-targeted interventions. By introducing beneficial microbes or altering existing microbial populations within tumors, therapies can be designed to modulate the immune system, promote tumor suppression, and improve drug efficacy. However, challenges remain in deciphering the complex relationships between microbes, tumor cells, and the immune system, necessitating more refined research methods and standardized approaches to translate these discoveries into clinical practice.
-
Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study explores the use of a tumor-resident bacterial consortium composed of Proteus mirabilis (A-gyo) and Rhodopseudomonas palustris (UN-gyo) for oncolytic therapy. This bacterial combination, administered in a specific 3:97 ratio, demonstrated potent anticancer effects through mechanisms like selective intratumoral thrombosis, necrosis, and biofilm formation. The consortium’s action was independent of immune cell infiltration and was shown to induce complete tumor remission and prolonged survival in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised mouse models. The study investigates the bacterial consortium’s safety profile, molecular characteristics, and therapeutic potential in treating various types of solid tumors.
Who was studied?
The study involved several mouse models, including immunocompetent BALB/c mice, as well as immunocompromised mice such as SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency) and NOD-SCID (non-obese diabetic SCID) mice. These mice were implanted with different types of tumors, including colon cancer (Colon26), and received intravenous injections of the bacterial consortium. The effects of varying bacterial doses and their interaction with the immune system were also analyzed, with a focus on the tumor-targeting efficacy and safety of the AUN bacterial consortium.
Most important findings
The AUN bacterial consortium, administered intravenously, showed remarkable anticancer efficacy in mouse models, including tumor remission and increased survival without causing systemic toxicity or cytokine release syndrome. The bacterial consortium induced tumor-specific thrombosis, leading to vascular collapse and necrosis, which contributed to tumor regression. Additionally, the combination of A-gyo and UN-gyo exhibited biocompatibility and enhanced safety, as UN-gyo helped suppress the biogenic activity of A-gyo, reduced pathogenicity, and increased cancer-specific cytotoxicity. The study also revealed that the bacteria proliferated within tumors, formed biofilms, and caused selective tumor destruction. This natural synergy between the bacteria was achieved without genetic engineering, highlighting its potential as a safe, tumor-targeted therapeutic strategy.
Key implications
The use of a bacterial consortium for oncolytic therapy presents a novel, drug-free strategy for cancer treatment. The findings suggest that bacteria can be harnessed to selectively target and destroy tumors through natural processes like thrombosis and necrosis. This approach could be particularly useful in treating cancers that are difficult to target with traditional therapies or immunotherapies. However, the study also raised concerns about the potential risks of using live bacteria, such as infection or resistance, that would need to be carefully managed in clinical applications. Further research into optimizing bacterial formulations, understanding their long-term effects, and ensuring patient safety is necessary before these therapies can be widely applied in clinical practice.