Kolkata, Oct 8 (PTI): A pioneering team from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata has developed a novel "friendly bacteria" that can effectively combat cancer from within the patient’s body, according to a statement from the institute. In parallel, they are also crafting a detection system to monitor the therapy’s progress. These innovations represent a significant advancement in the combination of therapeutic and diagnostic methods for cancer treatment, IISER Kolkata disclosed. Their initiative, named ReSET (Reprogramming the Suppressive Environment of Tumour Microenvironment), addresses significant hurdles in cancer therapy. “Cancer often conceals itself using special immune cells known as T regulatory cells (Tregs), which dampen the body’s natural defense mechanisms, making conventional treatments like immunotherapy or chemotherapy less effective,” the statement explained. The IISER Kolkata team is employing an innovative approach by engineering probiotics to identify tumors and disrupt their activity, thereby reactivating the immune system against cancer. In essence, they are transforming beneficial microbes into living, targeted medicines that have the potential to operate within a patient's body, thereby enhancing the safety and efficacy of cancer treatment. Moving beyond the lab, the students have incorporated human practices into their design by collaborating with oncologists, surgeons, cancer survivors, and NGOs. They have also conducted outreach events in schools, spearheaded cancer awareness campaigns, and partnered with hair donors and patient support organizations. These interactions have guided them in developing a therapy that is scientifically robust, ethically sound, and socially pertinent. The team stresses that their work not only serves as a scientific prototype but also exemplifies the potential of India's youth in conducting world-class research. “By targeting the Tregs pathway with engineered bacteria, we aspire to introduce a revolutionary class of cancer therapeutics that could transform cancer treatment,” the team stated. The group, comprising 11 undergraduate students from IISER Kolkata, is set to represent their institute and India at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Grand Jamboree 2025, the globe’s largest synthetic biology competition, scheduled to take place in Paris this October.
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