Intratumoral microbiome: Implications for immune modulation and innovative therapeutic strategies in cancer Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Intratumoural Microbiota
Intratumoural Microbiota
With the growing understanding of the intratumoral microbiota’s influence on cancer progression, the next frontier in cancer therapy is microbiota-targeted interventions. By introducing beneficial microbes or altering existing microbial populations within tumors, therapies can be designed to modulate the immune system, promote tumor suppression, and improve drug efficacy. However, challenges remain in deciphering the complex relationships between microbes, tumor cells, and the immune system, necessitating more refined research methods and standardized approaches to translate these discoveries into clinical practice.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This review article explores the role of the intratumoral microbiome in immune modulation and its potential for cancer therapy. It delves into how bacteria within the tumor microenvironment (TME) influence both tumor progression and immune responses, highlighting their dual roles in either supporting tumor growth or promoting immune-mediated destruction of cancer cells. The review also emphasizes the need for innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at harnessing the microbiome’s impact on immunotherapy, with particular focus on identifying microbial signatures that could be used to predict treatment outcomes and enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Who was studied?
The review synthesizes findings from multiple preclinical studies conducted on animal models, primarily focusing on various cancers such as colorectal cancer (CRC), melanoma, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). These studies examine the impact of bacterial species like Fusobacterium nucleatum, Bacteroides fragilis, and Helicobacter pylori on tumor growth and the immune response within the TME. Additionally, the review integrates findings from human clinical studies, where the presence of specific microbial communities within tumors correlates with variations in immune cell infiltration, tumor growth, and responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
Most important findings
The review reveals that the intratumoral microbiome can modulate immune responses in both pro-tumor and anti-tumor directions. Some microbes, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, promote tumor growth by inhibiting the activity of immune cells like T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, while others, such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus reuteri, enhance the anti-tumor immune response by stimulating T cell activity and cytokine production. These microbes either directly influence immune cells or indirectly modulate the immune microenvironment by affecting the recruitment of immune cells to the tumor site or modifying immune checkpoint expression. The review also emphasizes how the interaction between intratumoral bacteria and host immune cells can either drive immune tolerance or induce anti-tumor immunity, particularly when combined with therapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
Key implications
The findings have significant implications for cancer treatment, particularly in enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapies. Understanding the intricate interplay between intratumoral microbiota and immune cells could lead to novel therapeutic strategies that not only target the tumor itself but also reshape the immune landscape to favor anti-tumor immunity. The article advocates for the integration of microbiome research into clinical practice, suggesting that manipulating the intratumoral microbiome through the use of probiotics, antibiotics, or engineered bacteria may offer a new avenue for improving treatment outcomes. However, the review also highlights the challenges of tumor-specific microbiome identification, the variability in microbial compositions across patients, and the need for personalized approaches in microbiome-targeted therapies.
Intratumoural Microbiota
With the growing understanding of the intratumoral microbiota’s influence on cancer progression, the next frontier in cancer therapy is microbiota-targeted interventions. By introducing beneficial microbes or altering existing microbial populations within tumors, therapies can be designed to modulate the immune system, promote tumor suppression, and improve drug efficacy. However, challenges remain in deciphering the complex relationships between microbes, tumor cells, and the immune system, necessitating more refined research methods and standardized approaches to translate these discoveries into clinical practice.