Host-microbe cross talk in cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• The host immune system and microbiota engage in a dynamic interplay, influencing health and disease outcomes.
• Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial in mediating host-microbiota interactions by recognizing microbial and host-derived signals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of conventional cancer therapies on host-microbiota interactions.
• To explore the role of TLRs in the context of cancer therapy and the microbiome.
• To identify emerging strategies for developing less toxic anticancer treatments.

Main Methods:

• Review of accumulating evidence on cancer therapies and their effects on host-microbiota interactions.
• Analysis of the role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in recognizing microbial-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs).

Main Results:

• Conventional cancer therapies demonstrably alter host-microbiota interactions, contributing to side effects like intestinal mucositis.
• These alterations can promote pathogen colonization and exacerbate drug toxicity.
• TLR activation by MAMPs represents a promising approach for novel immunotherapies.

Conclusions:

• Emerging evidence highlights the significant implications of cancer therapies on the host-microbiota environment.
• Targeting host-microbiota crosstalk via TLRs is a promising strategy for developing safer and more effective anticancer therapies.