Potential mechanisms and targeting strategies of the gut microbiota in antitumor immunity and immunotherapy

Abstract

Abstract Background Immunotherapies, notably immune checkpoints inhibitors that target programmed death 1/programmed death ligand 1(PD‐1/PD‐L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 (CTLA‐4), had profoundly changed the way advanced and metastatic cancers are treated and dramatically improved overall and progression‐free survival. Aims This review article aimed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms by which the gut microbiota affects antitumor immunity and the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Methods We summarized the latest knowledge supporting the associations among the gut microbiota, antitumor immunity, and immunotherapy. Moreover, we disscussed the therapeutic strategy for improving immunotherapy efficacy by modulating gut microbiota in cancer treatment. Results The potential molecular mechanisms underlying these associations are explained in terms of four aspects: immunomodulation, molecular mimicry, mamps, and microbial metabolites. Conclusion The gut microbiota significantly impacts antitumor immunity and alters the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy.

Keywords

• antitumor immunity
• cancer
• cancer therapy
• gut microbiota
• immunotherapy