Figure 2.

The unique structures of microorganisms applied for cancer theranostics. (A) Phage can be modified for displaying tumor-targeting peptides, anti-tumor agents, as well as acting as oncolytic factors themselves. (B) Oncolytic viruses can be labelled with imaging agents or therapeutics for cancer theranostics. (C) Bacteria uptake nanoparticles or imaging agents as food granule for tumor imaging. Bacterial mesosomes and ribosome contribute to excrete anti-cancerous enzymes or agents. The flagella and LPS in the bacteria cell wall can modulate immune response for cancer therapy. (D) Polysaccharides in the cell walls of fungi (including mushroom and yeast) could stimulate immune cells for cancer therapy. (E) Protozoa expressing or modified with therapeutics (ie.VAR2CSA) and flagella in the protozoa are sometimes anti-tumorous. Transformation of sporozoites into schizonts stimulate apoptosis and proinflammation.