The intratumoral microbiota: A new horizon in cancer immunology Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
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 reviewed?
This review examines the evolving role of the intratumoral microbiota in cancer immunology. It provides insights into how the microbiota within tumors, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, interacts with the immune system to influence tumor progression and the efficacy of cancer therapies. The study highlights recent advancements in understanding the microbiota’s role in shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME), including its impact on immune modulation and immunotherapy outcomes. A key focus is on how intratumoral microbiota contribute to both the promotion and suppression of tumor immunity, affecting immune surveillance and the response to cancer treatments like immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Who was reviewed?
The review draws from numerous studies that investigate the microbiota within cancerous tissues. It synthesizes findings from diverse cancer types such as colorectal, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers, focusing on how intratumoral microbiota influence tumor behavior. Studies on microbiota-derived metabolites and their role in immune regulation are highlighted, along with research on microbial-induced inflammatory responses. The review also covers clinical trials and laboratory studies that explore microbiota interactions with immune cells and the potential therapeutic strategies involving microbiota modulation.
Most important findings
The review outlines several crucial findings regarding the role of intratumoral microbiota in cancer. A significant point is the observation that microbial communities within tumors exhibit distinct profiles from those in healthy tissues, with bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Bacteroides fragilis playing a major role in cancer progression. These microorganisms can promote tumor growth by inducing inflammatory responses or by modulating host immune functions through various signaling pathways. For instance, F. nucleatum in colorectal cancer has been linked to immune evasion by activating immune checkpoint pathways, leading to the suppression of T-cell activity. Furthermore, the microbiota can impact the efficacy of cancer therapies, including immunotherapy. The presence of specific bacteria has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of treatments like immune checkpoint inhibitors by improving immune cell infiltration and activation within the TME. However, other microbial populations can exacerbate resistance to treatment by promoting immunosuppressive environments.
Key implications
The findings discussed in this review have important clinical implications. Understanding the relationship between intratumoral microbiota and immune responses opens new avenues for cancer treatment. Modulating the tumor microbiome could enhance immunotherapy efficacy, as some microbes have been identified as facilitators of immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Targeted interventions, such as using probiotics or antibiotics to modify the microbiota, could potentially be integrated into personalized treatment regimens for cancer patients. Additionally, microbiota signatures within tumors could serve as prognostic biomarkers, aiding in the prediction of patient responses to treatment and overall prognosis. The ability to manipulate the microbiome in the TME could be crucial in developing more effective and tailored cancer therapies in the future.
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.
Breast Cancer
Traditionally linked to genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, emerging evidence highlights the microbiome as a critical and underappreciated factor influencing breast cancer progression, immune response, and treatment outcomes.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.