Gut microbial metabolites as a convergence point between autoimmunity and solid tumors

The human gut microbiome, a diverse community of trillions of microorganisms, is essential for controlling numerous bodily functions, such as metabolism, immune response, and epithelial barrier integrity. The gut microbiota comprises bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that affect human health, metabolic pathways, and immune responses. Dysbiosis, or the imbalance of gut microbial composition, has been linked to the pathogenesis of several ailments, including cardiovascular conditions, gastrointestinal conditions, allergies, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and tumors. The interaction between gut microbes and immune responses, mainly through Tregs cells and Th17 cells, underscores the microbiome's function in immune regulation. Furthermore, gut microbial metabolites act as signaling molecules and substrates for metabolic processes, impacting autoimmune disorders and cancer development. Recent research highlights the microbiome's potential role in cancer immunoediting, where gut microbial metabolites may either promote or suppress cancer progression by modulating inflammation and immunosuppression. This review delves into the critical functions of the gut microbiome, its influence on autoimmune disorders, and the emerging connection between gut microbial metabolites and cancer immunoediting, offering new insights into their impact on human health and disease.