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Published on: April 26, 2024
Recent patents on bacterial proteins as potential anticancer agents
Arsenio M Fialho1, Ananda M Chakrabarty
1Instituto for Biotechnology and BioEngineering (IBB), Center for Biological and Chemical Engineering, Instituto Superior Tecnico, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.
Abstract:
While most anticancer agents are small molecular weight compounds that inhibit specific steps in the pathways contributing to cancer growth, or monoclonal antibodies that target specific antigens hyper-expressed in cancer cells, recent efforts have also been directed towards bacterial pathogens that are known to allow cancer regression. Consequently, patents that cover the construction or characterization of specific bacteria, with or without additional cloned genes, are available. This review is, however, focused on patents that claim bacterial proteins as potential anticancer agents. In particular, we describe two bacterial proteins that demonstrate both anticancer and antiviral, and often antiparasitic, activities, and therefore the patents cover multiple aspects of the potential use of such bacterial proteins in the treatment of not only cancer but also malaria or other parasitic diseases and HIV/AIDS and similar viral diseases. We also briefly discuss patents that cover the use of CpG-rich DNA, including bacterial DNA, as potential anticancer agents.
Insights
This review explores patents on bacterial proteins for cancer treatment. These proteins show anticancer, antiviral, and antiparasitic potential, offering new therapeutic avenues.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Oncology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Traditional anticancer agents include small molecules and monoclonal antibodies.
- Emerging research investigates bacterial pathogens for cancer regression.
- Patents exist for engineered bacteria and bacterial components as therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review patents claiming bacterial proteins as anticancer agents.
- To highlight bacterial proteins with broad therapeutic applications beyond cancer.
- To discuss patents involving CpG-rich DNA for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of patents related to bacterial proteins and cancer treatment.
- Analysis of patents detailing bacterial protein characterization and application.
- Examination of patents covering CpG-rich DNA as therapeutic agents.
Main Results:
- Identified patents for specific bacterial proteins with demonstrated anticancer activity.
- Highlighted two bacterial proteins exhibiting anticancer, antiviral, and antiparasitic effects.
- Noted patents covering the use of CpG-rich DNA, including bacterial DNA, for cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial proteins represent a promising class of agents for cancer therapy.
- Certain bacterial proteins possess multifaceted therapeutic potential against cancer, viral, and parasitic diseases.
- Patented bacterial components and DNA offer novel strategies for oncological and infectious disease treatment.
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