Exploring the Role of the Gut Microbiota in Modulating Colorectal Cancer Immunity

Overview

Journal Cells

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Biophysics
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Date 2024 Sep 14

PMID 39273009

Authors

Nikolay K Shakhpazyan

Liudmila M Mikhaleva

Arkady L Bedzhanyan

Zarina V Gioeva

Alexander I Mikhalev

Konstantin Y Midiber

Valentina V Pechnikova

Andrey E Biryukov

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The gut microbiota plays an essential role in maintaining immune homeostasis and influencing the immune landscape within the tumor microenvironment. This review aims to elucidate the interactions between gut microbiota and tumor immune dynamics, with a focus on colorectal cancer (CRC). The review spans foundational concepts of immuno-microbial interplay, factors influencing microbiome composition, and evidence linking gut microbiota to cancer immunotherapy outcomes. Gut microbiota modulates anti-cancer immunity through several mechanisms, including enhancement of immune surveillance and modulation of inflammatory responses. Specific microbial species and their metabolic byproducts can significantly influence the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. Furthermore, microbial diversity within the gut microbiota correlates with clinical outcomes in CRC, suggesting potential as a valuable biomarker for predicting response to immunotherapy. Conclusions: Understanding the relationship between gut microbiota and tumor immune responses offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies and biomarker development. The gut microbiota not only influences the natural history and treatment response of CRC but also serves as a critical modulator of immune homeostasis and anti-cancer activity. Further exploration into the microbiome's role could enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments and guide the development of new therapeutic modalities.

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