The microbiome role in modulating immune response — perspectives for cancer immunotherapy

The human microbiome, comprising a complex ecosystem of microorganisms influence on the functionality of the immune system. Recent research has demonstrated the significant influence of the microbiome on cancer immunotherapy, particularly in terms of its potential to enhance or undermine therapeutic efficacy. This abstract examines the bidirectional relationship between the microbiome and immune responses, with a particular focus on how specific microbial communities can influence immune modulation, affect tumor progression and impact treatment outcomes in cancer immunotherapy. It has been demonstrated that specific gut bacteria may enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell transfer therapies by promoting Th1 polarization and improving T-cell responses. Understanding the mechanisms underlying microbiome-immune interactions presents a promising avenue for innovative strategies in cancer immunotherapy, including the development of personalized adjunct therapies. This perspective underscores the necessity of integrating microbiome profiling into oncological practice to optimize immunotherapeutic strategies and improve patient outcomes.