A recent breakthrough in cancer research has been achieved by a team from POSTECH and ImmunoBiome, shedding light on the potential of microbiome-based cancer therapies. The team’s study, published in the May issue of Nature Immunology, focuses on the use of a dietary-derived bacterial strain, IMB001, to enhance anti-tumor responses through ‘nutritional immunity’.
Dr. Sin-Hyeog Im, leading the research at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) and ImmunoBiome, has developed a novel strategy for identifying beneficial bacteria suitable for cancer treatment. The team has uncovered how these bacteria trigger specific immune responses in the body, paving the way for their potential use in clinical settings.
The team is now in the process of filing Investigational New Drug (IND) applications and is planning to commence a clinical trial in 2025. IMB001, classified as Lactobacillus plantarum IMB19 (LpIMB19), is a unique single-strain Live Biotherapeutic Product (LBP) that has shown promising results in preclinical studies across various cancers.
In preclinical animal models, IMB001 has demonstrated the ability to slow down tumor progression in melanoma, renal cancer, breast cancer, and experimental metastasis. Additionally, it enhances the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitor therapy, such as anti-PDL1. The team has also identified an effector molecule, Rhamnose-rich Capsular Polysaccharide (RHP), from IMB001, showing positive effects in cancer models.
These advancements mark a significant step towards more effective and accessible microbial cancer therapies. IMB001’s mechanism of action involves activating tumor-infiltrating macrophages to an inflammatory state, which in turn boosts the adaptive immune system’s response by increasing the infiltration and activation of IFNγ+CD8+ T cells.
Moreover, the activated macrophages utilize a high-affinity iron transporter known as Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) to deprive tumor cells of essential iron, leading to increased cell death in rapidly dividing tumor cells. This novel approach presents a promising option for combination therapy with traditional cancer treatments, potentially revolutionizing the field of cancer therapy.
