Microbiome-derived metabolites counteract tumor-induced immunosuppression and boost immune checkpoint blockade

Abstract

The tumor and gut microbiome regulate antitumor immunity and modulate responses to immune checkpoint blockade, although the mechanisms of action remain uncertain. A recent study in Science Immunology by Mirji et al. describes that the microbiota-generated metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) plays a critical role in mediating the effects of the microbiome on antitumor immunity.