Researchers at Columbia University in New York have transformed genetically modified bacteria into personalized anti-cancer vaccines, capable of exclusively targeting diseased cells, paving the way for new tailor-made cancer therapies. The study, published on Naturewas led by microbiologist and immunologist Nicholas Arpaia and bioengineer Tal Danino. The first results obtained on mouse models of advanced-stage melanoma and colorectal tumors are very promising, and the clinical trial phase is approaching, says Arpaia.
The bacteria used in the study belong to the category of probiotics, such as Escherichia coli, known for their beneficial properties on the body. Thanks to genetic modifications, these bacteria have been enhanced to stimulate the immune system to recognize and destroy tumor cells. This innovation promises to develop a new generation of personalized anti-cancer vaccines, adaptable to the stage of the disease, which can prevent relapses and target tumors in both early and metastatic stages.
Bacteria to activate immune system
During the experiments, the modified bacteria activated the immune system of the treated animals, blocking the growth of primary and metastatic tumors, and in some cases managed to eliminate them completely, without damaging healthy cells. Andrew Redenti, one of the authors of the study, explains: “The strength of this approach is the ability to activate and restructure the entire immune system to fight the tumor, offering a potential solution for advanced solid tumors that do not respond well to therapies traditional immune systems”. A significant improvement in survival was also observed in the treated mice.
According to Arpaia, “Each tumor is unique, characterized by specific genetic mutations that distinguish it from healthy cells. Genetically modified bacteria allow us to unleash a targeted immune response against these mutations, allowing us to design personalized therapies for each patient, capable of identifying and destroy tumor cells with precision.”
This innovative immunological therapy strategy opens new perspectives in the fight against tumors, with enormous potential for more effective and less invasive treatments.