Key information
- Salmonella bacteria can be used to strengthen the body’s natural defenses against tumors.
- The bacteria depletes asparagine, an essential amino acid that T cells need to function properly.
- The researchers identified a specific protein responsible for this suppression and highlighted a potential genetic target.
Researchers have discovered that manipulating salmonella bacteria could lead to a new approach to fighting bowel cancer. While salmonella is well known as a cause of food poisoning, scientists believe its unique characteristics could be harnessed to boost the body’s natural defenses against tumors.
A recent study found that salmonella hinders the effectiveness of T cells, a type of white blood cell essential for fighting infections and diseases, including cancer. This inhibition is due to the fact that salmonella depletes an essential amino acid, asparagine, which T cells need to function properly.
Targeting cancer with engineered salmonella
Dr Alastair Copland, lead author of the study at the University of Birmingham, points out that this research could potentially turn harmful bacteria like salmonella into a powerful weapon against cancer. The team’s results identified the specific protein responsible for this suppression and highlighted a potential genetic target for modifying salmonella to improve T cell activity against cancer cells.
Funding and future research directions
Catherine Elliott, director of research at Cancer Research UK, which funded the study, highlights the importance of the findings, which represent an exciting breakthrough that could lead to more effective treatments for colorectal and other cancers in the future. This offers a glimmer of hope to patients battling these difficult diseases.
Salmonella contamination is a common problem, often found in animals such as chickens, cows and pigs. It can contaminate various food sources, including eggs, chicken, pork, fruits and vegetables that have come into contact with animal waste.
When infected with salmonella, individuals typically experience symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever within 12 to 72 hours. These symptoms usually persist for four to seven days.
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