Progress in Fusobacterium nucleatum

Abstract

Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is one of the resident members in oral microflora, and has a symbiotic relationship with the host. F. nucleatum can cause a variety of opportunistic infections, and many recent studies have linked it to the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer. In this paper, we review the symbiotic relationship between F. nucleatum and its host, and its roles as an infectious factor in disease and as a promoter for tumor progress. In addition, some new views and future research directions of this bacterium are also discussed. We hope that these new ideas will help us understand the role of F. nucleatum in promoting colorectal cancer and the related mechanisms, as well as provide a basis for new methods in the diagnosis and treatment of F. nucleatum associated colorectal cancer.

Keywords

• fusobacterium nucleatum
• host
• infection and immunity
• colorectal cancer