Characterization of the human tumor microbiome reveals tumor-type specific intra-cellular bacteria

Oncoimmunology. 2020 Jul 29;9(1):1800957. doi: 10.1080/2162402X.2020.1800957.

Abstract

Many characteristics of cancer such as proliferation, survival, progression, immunogenicity, sensitivity, and resistance to therapy are not just endogenously driven by the tumor cells themselves, but are greatly affected by their interaction with the components of their microenvironment. In our recent report, we comprehensively characterized the bacterial content of solid tumors, which is strongly related to tumor type and subtype, largely presenting as metabolically-active and intra-cellular. Our integration with clinical patient data indicates potential avenues of cross-talk between the tumors and their bacterial counterparts paving the way for a deeper understanding of the physiological/biological context of the tumor and how to harness bacteria in therapy settings.

Keywords: 16S; 5R; Tumor microbiome; bacteria; cancer; microbiome; tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Humans
  • Microbiota*
  • Neoplasms*
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the European Research Council [818086]; Israel Science Foundation [2044/17]; International Collaboration Grant from the Jacki and Bruce Barron Cancer Research Scholars’ Program, and a partnership of the Israel Cancer Research Fund and City of Hope (COH), as supported by The Harvey L. Miller Family Foundation [0]; Fabrikant-Morse Families Research Fund for Humanity [0]; United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation [2013332].