Prevention and treatment of cancers by tumor antigen-expressing Staphylococcus epidermidis

Abstract

In a recent paper in Science, Chen et al . reported the genetic engineering of S. epidermidis expressing tumor cross-reactive antigens that trigger T cell responses and exhibit anticancer effects after topical administration. Here we discuss direct local effects and indirect systemic effects of exposure to engineered S. epidermidis strains.

An emerging and promising anticancer strategy: colonization of engineered Staphylococcus epidermidis

“…Among them, skin microorganisms are a complex group containing bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which are involved in constituting the first protective barrier for humans 2 . It is worth mentioning that symbiotic bacteria have two roles that should not be overlooked: they are involved in the regulation of the local or systemic immune environment, and bacterial proteins can induce specific immune responses 3 . For instance, in 2012, a study reported that the skin microbiota can actively control local inflammatory responses and regulate resident T lymphocyte function 4 .…”

“…2 It is worth mentioning that symbiotic bacteria have two roles that should not be overlooked: they are involved in the regulation of the local or systemic immune environment, and bacterial proteins can induce specific immune responses. 3 For instance, in 2012, a study reported that the skin microbiota can actively control local inflammatory responses and regulate resident T lymphocyte function. 4 Moreover, utilizing the immune function of the body is one of the significant tumor therapies.…”

Recent advances in single-cell engineered live biotherapeutic products research for skin repair and disease treatment

“…The most effective approach combined soluble OT1 peptide with cell wall-anchored OT2 peptides, proving highly efficient in triggering immune responses against OVA-expressing B16F10 melanomas in mouse skin. Notably, the absence of either OT1 or OT2 from S. epidermidis , the absence of OVA from B16F10 melanomas, or the depletion of CD8 + T lymphocytes thwarted the observed anticancer effects, underlining the therapeutic potential of a cellular immune response targeting shared antigens between bacteria and cancer cells 74 .…”