Identified in 1984, Nespora caninum is both a unicellular and intracellular parasite (it infects other cells in which it reproduces). It has the ability to destroy the cells it infects, while causing a strong immune response. Two appropriate characteristics in the context of antitumor immunotherapy.
The first tests on mice concerning cancer of the thymus (gland located between the lungs) brought satisfactory results, in three different ways. The first showed that Nespora caninum could directly destroy cancer cells by multiplying inside them. The second saw the immune system multiply its cells specialized in the destruction of cancer cells. Finally, the microorganism prevents the development of the tumor, even when it has “put to sleep” the immune system.
Although the first results are encouraging, many questions must be answered before its use. Although not dangerous for humans, it is necessary to be sure that N. caninum is well eliminated by the immune system. In addition, the positive results relate to benign cancers, research should confirm whether the lead is viable for glioblastoma (brain cancer with 15 months of survival after diagnosis) or pancreatic cancer (8 months of survival).