Metabolic interactions between microbes inside tumors and cancer linked to immunotherapy

Intratumoural microbial metabolites may significantly influence the tumour microenvironment and cancer immunotherapy outcomes.

• Intratumoural microbiota and their metabolites are crucial in shaping the tumour microenvironment.
• Microbial-derived metabolites such as glucose, amino acids, and lipids can modulate immune cell function and cytokine secretion.
• Specific metabolites, including lactate, short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and tryptophan derivatives, are associated with regulating immune responses and tumour growth.
• There is potential for these metabolites to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors.
• The review examines mechanisms by which microbial metabolites affect the tumour microenvironment, suggesting new microbiome-based therapeutic strategies.

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