Phage and Cancer

Introduction

Phage have been receiving more attention for their ability to fight antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, but they have also been shown to have anticancer activity. The anticancer activity has been attributed to the their ability to activate the immune response as well as their ability to serve as a platform for drugs.

History

The potential for phage in cancer treatment was first demonstrated in the 1940s when Bloch noted an excess phage development in cancer cells resulting in the retardation of tumor growth. Later studies confirmed that several phage bind to cancer cells. For example, Krystyna Dabrowska found T4 phage to transiently bind to melanoma cells. When mutants were selected for, strong interactions between the phage and cancer cells were observed. Such mutants were administered to rats with induced melanoma, and although no regression of cancer occurred, some cancer cell growth was inhibited.

Immune System Response

Although phage cannot cause mammalian cell lysis, they have been known to induce the immune system, a fact which can be exploited in cancer treatment. For example, purified T4 phage were observed to increase the function of dendritic cells in inhibiting tumor growth. A recent study found that mouse colon carcinoma growth was greatly inhibited when T4 was allowed to interact with dendritic cells. This change in immune response is suspected to be a result of phage proteins or peptide display.

Cancer and Phage display

Phage display has also shown to be useful in cancer treatment. This technique involves the insertion of a gene coding a particular protein on a phage, causing it to display this desired protein. In this case, the phage itself does not engage in anticancer activity, but rather presents anticancer peptides. Phage are the ideal delivery system as they are easily manipulated and engineered.

References

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