Chinese scientists uncover mechanism behind bacterial cancer therapy

A groundbreaking study by Chinese researchers has unveiled the key mechanism behind bacterial cancer therapy, offering new possibilities for next-generation cancer treatments. The research was conducted by the team under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as reported by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

In this study, scientists engineered an attenuated bacterial strain, named Designer Bacteria 1 (DB1), which selectively survives in tumour tissues while being eliminated in healthy tissues. This unique property allows DB1 to achieve both tumour targeting and clearance effectively.

Researchers found that DB1’s antitumor effects are linked to the activation of tissue-resident memory cytotoxic T cells, which are reactivated and expanded following DB1 therapy. Additionally, DB1 slows neutrophil migration in tumours, enhancing bacterial survival in targeted areas. The study also identified interleukin-10 as a crucial signalling molecule in mediating these effects, with its receptor highly expressed on T cells and neutrophils in tumour environments.

According to the source, the efficacy of DB1 was validated in multiple animal models, demonstrating significant inhibition of tumour growth, recurrence, and metastasis. Scientists are now progressing towards clinical trials, aiming to pave the way for personalised cancer treatment strategies.

Beyond direct tumour targeting, engineered bacteria like DB1 could serve as precision drug delivery vehicles, providing a novel pathway for treating malignant tumours, the researchers claimed.

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