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A Double Humanized BLT-mice Model Featuring a Stable Human-Like Gut Microbiome and Human Immune System
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Gut microbiota and immune alteration in cancer development: implication for immunotherapy
Harry Cheuk Hay Lau1, Xiang Zhang1, Jun Yu1
1Institute of Digestive Disease and the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Egastroenterology
|February 13, 2025
Summary
The gut microbiota influences cancer development and immunotherapy effectiveness. Modulating gut microbes may improve cancer treatment outcomes, offering new therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Cancer immunology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- The human gut hosts a complex microbiota crucial for host physiology.
- Gut dysbiosis is linked to cancer development and progression.
- Immunotherapy has emerged as a significant cancer treatment modality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the interplay between gut microbiota and the immune system in cancer.
- To discuss the impact of gut microbiota on immunotherapy efficacy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- To explore strategies for manipulating the gut microbiota to enhance cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current evidence.
- Analysis of studies on gut microbiota and cancer development (colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma).
- Examination of microbiota's role in immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Main Results:
- Gut microbiota composition affects cancer development.
- Microbiota composition is closely associated with immunotherapy response rates.
- Specific microbial interventions show potential for improving treatment efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota plays a significant role in cancer immunotherapy.
- Targeting the gut microbiota offers a promising avenue for improving cancer treatment.
- Further research holds potential for developing novel, microbiota-based cancer therapeutics.
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