Several types of bacteria have been explored for their oncolytic properties. Some of the most commonly studied include:
- Clostridium: These anaerobic bacteria thrive in the low-oxygen environment of tumors. - Salmonella: Engineered strains of Salmonella can selectively target tumors and have been shown to be effective in preclinical models. - Listeria monocytogenes: Known for its ability to induce strong immune responses, making it a potent candidate for cancer immunotherapy. - Bifidobacterium: These bacteria are part of the normal gut flora and have been engineered to deliver therapeutic agents directly to tumors.