A Way to Enhance the Effectiveness of Cancer Immunotherapy Discovered

A strain of gut bacteria called Hominenteromicrobium YB328 significantly boosts the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy drugs, according to Japanese scientists. The findings of the study were published in the journal Nature.

The YB328 strain was previously isolated from the gut microbiota of cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy. Researchers found that individuals carrying this bacterium exhibited heightened activity of T-lymphocytes — key cells of the adaptive immune system. These cells play a central role in defending the body against viruses, bacteria, cancer cells, and other pathogens.

The presence of YB328 in the microbiota encouraged immune cells to more actively infiltrate tumors and slowed disease progression.

Experiments in mice showed that transplanting microbiota containing YB328 also enhanced the anti-tumor immune response. This effect was driven by the activation of specific dendritic cells that trigger T-cell function. Another bacterium, P. vulgatus, on the contrary, reduced the efficacy of the therapy.

The authors suggest that the gut microbiota may be a key factor in the success of immunotherapy. Maintaining a population of “beneficial” bacteria in the gut could potentially improve treatment outcomes and expand the number of patients who respond to it.

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