Researchers at Columbia Engineering have developed a novel cancer therapy that combines the strengths of bacteria and viruses to target tumors more effectively. This innovative approach is detailed in a recent study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering by the Synthetic Biological Systems Lab, led by Tal Danino, an associate professor of biomedical engineering. The system, known as CAPPSID (Coordinated Activity of Prokaryote and Picornavirus for Safe Intracellular Delivery), cleverly utilizes a bacterium to deliver a virus directly into cancer cells while evading the immune system.
The researchers employed Salmonella typhimurium, a bacterium that naturally seeks out tumors, to transport a virus that selectively infects and destroys cancerous cells. By encapsulating the virus within the bacteria, the team effectively shields it from neutralizing antibodies that could inhibit its therapeutic effects. This method not only enhances the delivery of the virus but also ensures that it is released directly into the tumor environment.
The study addresses significant challenges associated with oncolytic virus therapy, particularly the risk of viral spread beyond the tumor. The researchers engineered the virus to require a specific molecule produced only by the bacteria to mature, thereby preventing its proliferation in healthy tissues.
Currently validated in mouse models, this research represents a pioneering step towards utilizing engineered bacterial and viral cooperation in clinical settings. The team is now exploring its application across various cancer types and considering combinations with bacteria already deemed safe for human trials. They have also filed a patent related to this work, signaling potential future advancements in cancer treatment methodologies.