Scientists have engineered Salmonella bacteria to self-destruct inside tumors, releasing signals that spark powerful immune hubs and shrink colon cancer in mice, opening the door to “living medicines” against deadly cancers. In an effort to reduce its high mortality rate, scientists are continually seeking new and more effective treatments for colon cancer. The researchers measured shifts in innate immune cells, particularly ILC3s, T cells, and the presence of mTLSs. In mice lacking HVEM or ILC3s, the therapy failed to mature TLSs or shrink cancer tumors. Engineered bacteria release many factors upon lysis, so it’s hard to pinpoint which effects are LIGHT-specific.