A research team led by Professor Eijiro Miyako at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. and the University of Tsukuba, has developed a novel cancer treatment that operates independently of the immune system. This innovative approach, known as AUN, utilizes a unique partnership between two bacterial species: Proteus mirabilis, which is commonly found in tumors, and Rhodopseudomonas palustris, a photosynthetic bacterium.
Historically, bacterial-based therapies have been explored since the 19th century, with significant advancements leading to modern immunotherapies. However, these treatments often rely on a functional immune system, which can be compromised in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The AUN therapy aims to address this limitation by directly targeting tumor cells and blood vessels, effectively treating cancer even when the immune response is diminished.
The dual-bacterial system in AUN operates through several mechanisms. A-gyo (Proteus mirabilis) undergoes a transformation that enhances its tumor-killing capabilities, while UN-gyo (Rhodopseudomonas palustris) regulates the activity of A-gyo, ensuring precision in targeting cancer cells. This cooperative relationship exemplifies the Japanese philosophy of "AUN," representing balance and harmony.
The research team plans to establish a startup to further advance this technology, with aspirations to initiate clinical trials within the next six years. The findings, recently published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, suggest that AUN could offer a significant alternative for cancer patients who cannot benefit from traditional immune-dependent therapies, marking a potential turning point in cancer treatment methodologies.