S. typhimurium-FasL

S. typhimurium-FasL is an attenuated, genetically engineered strain of the bacterium *Salmonella enterica* serovar Typhimurium designed to express the proapoptotic cytokine **Fas ligand (FasL)**, also known as CD95L or APO-1L. This drug candidate belongs to a category of *bacterial cancer therapies* and is developed as a targeted, tumor-homing "Trojan horse" agent. Upon intravenous administration, the bacteria accumulate preferentially at tumor sites due to their natural tropism for the tumor microenvironment. Once localized to the tumor, the bacteria produce functional FasL, initiating apoptosis in cells expressing the Fas receptor and recruiting neutrophils, thereby inducing tumor cell death through a combination of direct proapoptotic and immune-mediated mechanisms. This dual action has demonstrated significant inhibition of both primary and metastatic tumor growth in preclinical mouse models of breast carcinoma, colon carcinoma, and melanoma. The therapy is designed to enhance the antitumor effect while reducing the systemic toxicity associated with nontargeted delivery of FasL. Development status is currently preclinical, with data limited to murine studies.

Other names

Fas ligand-expressing S. typhimuriumSalmonella typhimurium expressing FasL