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A Method to Assess Bacteriocin Effects on the Gut Microbiota of Mice
Published on: July 25, 2017
The gut microbiota influences anticancer immunosurveillance and general health
Bertrand Routy1,2,3,4,5,6, Vancheswaran Gopalakrishnan7, Romain Daillère1,2,3,4
1Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.
Abstract:
Discoveries made in the past 5 years indicate that the composition of the intestinal microbiota has a major influence on the effectiveness of anticancer immunosurveillance and thereby contributes to the therapeutic activity of immune-checkpoint inhibitors that target cytotoxic T lymphocyte protein 4 (CTLA-4) or the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)-programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis, as well as the activity of immunogenic chemotherapies. Herein, we highlight some of the bacteria, such as Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides fragilis, Bifidobacterium spp. and Faecalibacterium spp., that have been associated with favourable anticancer immune responses in both preclinical tumour models and patients with cancer. Importantly, these bacteria also seem to have a positive influence on general health, thus reducing the incidence of metabolic disorders and a wide range of chronic inflammatory pathologies. We surmise that a diverse and propitious microbial ecosystem favours organismal homeostasis, particularly at the level of the cancer-immune dialogue.
Insights
The gut microbiome significantly impacts cancer immunotherapy effectiveness. Specific bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium spp. promote anti-cancer immunity and overall health.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Intestinal microbiota composition influences anticancer immunosurveillance.
- Microbiota impacts the efficacy of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1) and immunogenic chemotherapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight key gut bacteria associated with favorable anticancer immune responses.
- To discuss the broader health benefits of these bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent discoveries (past 5 years) in preclinical models and human cancer patients.
- Identification of specific bacterial species linked to immune responses.
Main Results:
- Bacteria such as Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides fragilis, Bifidobacterium spp., and Faecalibacterium spp. are associated with positive anticancer immunity.
- These bacteria also contribute to reduced metabolic disorders and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Conclusions:
- A diverse gut microbial ecosystem supports cancer-immune dialogue and organismal homeostasis.
- Targeting or modulating the gut microbiome may enhance cancer therapy outcomes and general health.
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