Toxic Fungus from Ancient Tombs Shows Potential for Cancer Treatment

Research suggests that a toxic fungus, once believed responsible for fatal lung infections among tomb explorers, could lead to effective new cancer therapies.

Shortly after the 1922 discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb, the earl who financed the excavation died, sparking rumors that the mummy had placed a curse on those who entered. In the 1970s, a similar curse seemed to afflict 10 out of 12 archaeologists excavating King Casimir IV’s tomb in Poland.

Analysis of that tomb identified a fungus named Aspergillus flavus, known to cause severe lung infections.

Interestingly, recent studies indicate this same fungus may help treat leukemia. According to a study published in Nature Chemical Biology, researchers discovered and engineered a group of molecules called asperigimycins from the fungus, which were effective in killing leukemia cells in lab tests.

“This is nature’s irony at its finest,” said Sherry Gao, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania. “The same fungus once dreaded for bringing death may now help save lives.”

Aspergillus flavus produces spores that can remain dormant for centuries, including in sealed tombs, and can trigger deadly respiratory infections when disturbed, especially in those with compromised immune systems.

The scientists delved into the unique compounds produced by the fungus, uncovering a class known as RiPPs (ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides). These compounds are rare and challenging to isolate, yet they offer exciting therapeutic potential due to their complex structures. This complexity might allow them to interact meaningfully with biological systems, such as effectively targeting cancer cells.

Lead author Qiuyue Nie noted they found four new asperigimycins featuring an unusual interlocking ring structure, with two showing strong anti-leukemia effects even without modification.

To improve drug effectiveness, the team added lipid molecules similar to those found in royal jelly—nutrient-rich food for queen bees. This helped the drugs enter cancer cells more easily because lipids can aid substances in crossing cell membranes, which are primarily made up of fats.

Further research indicated that a gene called SLC46A3 acts as a sort of gateway, enabling the drug to reach and target leukemia cells directly. This insight could enhance how other challenging drugs are delivered in the future.

Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which can damage healthy cells, asperigimycins seem to specifically target leukemia cell division with minimal effects on healthy tissues. Initial tests suggest these compounds also have limited impact on breast, liver, and lung cancer cells, which could help reduce adverse side effects.

The researchers believe additional life-saving compounds may be lurking in other fungal species as well.

Plans are in place to test asperigimycins in animal models, with aspirations for human clinical trials eventually. By examining fungal genomes and exploring various strains of Aspergillus, the team hopes to discover new treatments.

“The ancient world is still offering us tools for modern medicine,” Gao remarked. “The tombs were once feared for their curses, but they may turn out to be a source of cures.”