Microbial metabolites in tumor metabolic reprogramming and immunotherapy: new insights

TL;DR

This review explores how microbial metabolites influence tumor metabolism and immunotherapy, highlighting their roles and challenges in cancer treatment.

Contribution

The paper introduces a systematic classification of microbial metabolite functions in tumor metabolic reprogramming and their impact on immunotherapy.

Findings

Microbial metabolites modulate tumor metabolism through enzyme activity, signaling pathways, and immunometabolic effects.

They influence immune cell metabolism and can enhance immunotherapy effectiveness.

Current research faces challenges in translating findings into clinical applications.

Abstract

Gut microbiota and intratumoral microbiota have been recognized as critical regulators of tumor initiation and progression, with their metabolites exerting multifaceted effects on cancer development. This review systematically summarizes the roles and mechanistic classifications of microbial metabolites in tumor metabolic reprogramming, highlighting three principal regulatory layers: direct modulation of metabolic enzyme activity, regulation via signaling pathways, and immunometabolic modulation. Furthermore, it discusses the potential of microbial metabolites in regulating immune cell metabolism and enhancing immunotherapeutic efficacy, alongside summarizing the progress of relevant clinical studies. Finally, the review emphasizes that despite significant advances, current research still faces multiple challenges. Future investigations integrating cutting-edge technologies are essential to accelerate the translation of fundamental findings into clinical applications and to promote the development of metabolite-centered precision therapeutic strategies.

Schematic illustration of the role of microbial metabolites in tumor metabolism and progression. Gut microbiota and intratumoral bacteria generate metabolites that modulate metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells and tumor-associated immune cells. This reprogramming, in turn, influences tumor progression, including growth, metastasis, and apoptosis, and also affects therapeutic responses such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Created in https://BioRender.com.

Diagram illustrating the impact of microbial metabolites on tumor progression. Microbial metabolites from gut microbiota and intratumoral bacteria modulate metabolic reprogramming, affecting tumor and immune cell metabolism. This influences tumor growth, metastasis, and apoptosis. Therapy options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy.

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