DNVN - Salmonella, a bacteria commonly known for food poisoning, has now been discovered by scientists to have the ability to help fight colon cancer.
Salmonella can be engineered to help T cells — a type of white blood cell that protects the body from disease and infection — kill cancer cells, according to a new study. Researchers have found a way to modify salmonella to work with the immune system to help T cells attack tumors. The study was published in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine on November 19. Further research into this potential is expected to continue in the future.
Although scientists have long known that salmonella has anti-cancer properties, its use in treatment has not been very effective. This bacterial treatment can slow the growth of cancer cells by preventing them from absorbing essential nutrients, but at the same time affects the immune system, a key factor in controlling and destroying tumors.
In tests on mice, scientists found that salmonella prevented T cells from killing cancer cells because it reduced the amount of the amino acid asparagine, which is essential for T cell activity. “Asparagine is very important for T cells,” said Kendle Maslowski, a researcher at the University of Glasgow, who was part of the research team. This discovery, he said, allows scientists to find ways to prevent salmonella from depleting asparagine, thereby facilitating T cells to fight cancer and opening up new treatment options.
The discovery could turn disease-causing bacteria like salmonella into cancer-fighting warriors, according to study author Alastair Copland from the University of Birmingham.
Ms. Catherine Elliott, from Cancer Research UK - the organization that funded the research - assessed this as a remarkable step forward, promising to bring effective treatments for patients with colon cancer and many other types of cancer in the future.
Salmonella is commonly found in the intestines of many animals such as chickens, pigs and cows, as well as in foods such as eggs, chicken, pork, fruits and vegetables contaminated with livestock or animal feces.
People infected with salmonella may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain, lasting from 4 to 7 days.
Thanh Mai (t/h)
Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/vi-khuyen-gay-ngo-doc-thuc-pham-tro-thanh-cong-cu-ho-tro-dieu-tri-ung-thu/20241120091352213
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