Stanford University researchers have made a promising discovery that could lead to new cancer treatments in the future.
Scientists conducted tests in which they altered the genomes of microbes and bacteria in the skin to fight cancer. These modified microbes were rubbed on mice with cancer, and lo and behold, the tumors began to dissipate.
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involved bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidistaken from mouse fur and modified to produce a protein that stimulates the immune system against certain tumors.
The experiment seemed to be a resounding success, as the modified bacteria killed aggressive types of metastatic melanoma after being gently applied to the hair. Results were also achieved without any noticeable inflammation.
“It almost felt like magic,” said Michael Fischbach, PhD, assistant professor of bioengineering at Stanford University. “These mice had very aggressive tumors growing on their sides and we gave them a gentle treatment. We simply took a smear of the bacteria and rubbed it into their scalp.”
This is another foray into the misunderstood world of the microbiome and all the bacteria out there. The gut biomes get all the stress these days, but the skin is also home to millions and millions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and the purpose of these entities is unknown.
In this case, scientists discovered that staph cells in the epidermis trigger the production of immune cells called CD8 T cells. The researchers basically hijacked the S. epidermis To produce CD8 T cells that target specific antigens.
In this case, the antigens were associated with melanoma tumors. When the cells found a matching tumor, they began to multiply rapidly and shrink the mass, or wipe it out completely.
“Seeing these tumors disappear — especially away from where we put the bacteria — was shocking,” Fischbach said. “It took us a while to believe that was happening.”
As with all noninvasive cancer treatments, there are some heavy caveats. First, these experiments are performed on mice.
Humans and mice are similar in many ways biologically, but many treatments that work in mice fail in humans.
Stanford researchers have no idea if S. epidermis It triggers an immune response in humans, though our skin is full of the stuff, so they may need to find a different microbe to change it. Moreover, this treatment is designed to treat skin cancer tumors and is applied topically. It remains to be seen whether the benefits extend to endogenous cancers.
However, the Stanford team says it expects human trials to begin in the next few years, though more testing in mice and other animals is needed before moving forward with humans.
Scientists hope that this treatment will eventually target all types of infectious diseases in addition to cancer cells.
with information from Engadget
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Emily Brontë is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, literature, and current affairs. She is dedicated to producing clear, accurate reporting that helps readers stay informed about developments in the UK and around the world.
