Challenging Over 150 Years of Immunotherapy....
Two bacteria working in harmony show powerful antitumor effects. The approach could transform treatment for immunocompromised patients.
A research team led by Professor Eijiro Miyako at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), working in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. and the University of Tsukuba, has created a pioneering bacterial therapy for cancer that operates independently of the immune system. This new approach relies on a specially designed microbial consortium called AUN.
The concept of bacterial cancer therapy dates back to 1868, when German physician Busch reported that intentionally infecting a patient with bacteria led to tumor regression. Later, in 1893, Dr. William Coley proposed bacterial injections as a treatment, laying the foundation for cancer immunotherapy. Over the past 150 years, these early ideas evolved into advanced treatments such as checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cells. While effective for some, these therapies all depend on immune cell activity, which limits their effectiveness in patients whose immune systems are weakened by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
The new AUN therapy overcomes this challenge by combining two naturally occurring bacterial strains:
- Proteus mirabilis (A-gyo), a microbe that thrives within tumors
- Rhodopseudomonas palustris (UN-gyo), a photosynthetic bacterium
Working in close cooperation, the “AUN” bacterial pair achieved remarkable tumor clearance in both mouse and human cancer models, even under immunocompromised conditions—all without relying on immune cells. The therapy demonstrated strong biocompatibility and very limited side effects, notably preventing cytokine release syndrome (CRS).
“A new chapter in bacteria-based cancer therapy—pursued for over 150 years—is finally beginning.”
