create a virus. We do this by gene technology, out
of its building blocks, then grow it in a cell culture
in the lab. We have an industrial partner and we’re
counting on having the first patients treated within
two years.What makes your approach better than
others?
Our study not only describes the
technology, but also describes the
mechanism of why this viral
immunotherapy appears to be
more potent than others before. In
mice, we have shown that
commonly used viral technology
failed, whereas ours was
successful. This was due to the
fact that our viruses, being
replicating, are causing a mild
infection – it’s not just injecting
a drug that doesn’t amplify
itself. This infection triggers
specific molecular alarm bells,
which only render the immune
response potent enough to
effectively combat cancer.BELOW: The lymphocytic
choriomeningitis virus that
Pinschewer’s team is using to
study immunotherapy
What did they do?
A team at Harvard Medical School engineered gut
bacteria in a group of mice to turn their poo blue when
they are in the presence of disease.
How did they do that?
They engineered a harmless strain of E. coli bacteria to
produce a par ticular enzyme when it came into contact
with tetrathionate – a substance seen in high levels in the
guts of people with ulcerative colitis. They were then able
to identify the enzyme in the animals’ stools using a test
in which it changes colour.Why did they do that?
Understandably, many people aren’t exactly thrilled when
they hear the words “You’re going to need an endoscopy”.
However, there are currently few alternatives when it
comes to diagnosing gut disorders. The team hopes that
their technique can be used in place of uncomfortable and
intrusive cameras to check for gut illnesses in those
feeling a bit, er, off colour.MOUSE POO
TURNED BLUE
THEY DID WHAT?!