Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
08:02
In Vivo Augmentation of Gut-Homing Regulatory T Cell Induction
Published on: January 22, 2020
Probiotics, dendritic cells and bladder cancer.
Oladapo Feyisetan1, Christopher Tracey, Giles O Hellawell
1Department of Urology, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK.
BJU International
|December 20, 2011
Summary
Probiotics may suppress superficial bladder cancer by activating natural killer (NK) cells, potentially through dendritic cells (DCs). This research sheds light on how probiotics influence the immune system to combat bladder cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The immune-suppressive effect of probiotics on superficial bladder cancer is recognized, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
- Natural killer (NK) cells are identified as key anti-tumor effector cells, with their activity correlating to anti-cancer effects in preclinical models.
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are known to recruit and mobilize NK cells, suggesting they may be the crucial interface for probiotic action.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism by which probiotics exert their anti-tumor effects on superficial bladder cancer.
- To explore the role of dendritic cells (DCs) and natural killer (NK) cells in the anti-cancer activity of probiotics.
- To understand how probiotic intervention might modulate immune responses relevant to bladder cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Observed the suppressor effect of probiotics on superficial bladder cancer.
- Correlated NK cell activity with the anti-tumor effect in animal models.
- Investigated the role of DCs in NK cell recruitment and mobilization.
- Examined the impact of NK cell purification on NK cell activity.
Main Results:
- Evidence strongly suggests that NK cells are the effector cells responsible for the anti-tumor effects of probiotics.
- NK cell activity was found to correlate with the observed anti-tumor effects in mice.
- Purification of NK cells led to a decrease in their activity, supporting their role in the anti-cancer mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are likely the cellular interface through which probiotics exert their influence on NK cells.
- Understanding the probiotic-DC-NK cell axis could offer novel immunotherapeutic strategies for superficial bladder cancer.
- Probiotics may represent a complementary approach to existing treatments like intravesical bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) by modulating the immune response.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Probiotics
Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
01:28Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the goblet,...