Harnessing the Microbiome to Enhance Cancer Immunotherapy

J Immunol Res. 2015:2015:368736. doi: 10.1155/2015/368736. Epub 2015 May 25.

Abstract

The microbiota plays a key role in regulating the innate and adaptive immune system. Herein, we review the immunological aspects of the microbiota in tumor immunity in mice and man, with a focus on toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, vaccines, checkpoint modulators, chemotherapy, and adoptive T cell transfer (ACT) therapies. We propose innovative treatments that may safely harness the microbiota to enhance T cell-based therapies in cancer patients. Finally, we highlight recent developments in tumor immunotherapy, particularly novel ways to modulate the microbiome and memory T cell responses to human malignancies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Animals
  • Bacterial Toxins / immunology
  • Cancer Vaccines / immunology
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Immunomodulation
  • Immunotherapy* / methods
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive
  • Lymphocyte Depletion
  • Microbiota / drug effects
  • Microbiota / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Toll-Like Receptors / genetics
  • Toll-Like Receptors / metabolism
  • Whole-Body Irradiation

Substances

  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Cancer Vaccines
  • Cytokines
  • Toll-Like Receptors