The microbiome: regulating anti-tumor immunity

Front Immunol. 2026 Mar 17:17:1781872. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1781872. eCollection 2026.

Abstract

Microorganisms distributed throughout the human body have always been a complex ecosystem that has long coexisted with other organisms. They are involved in essential key links, such as nutrient absorption, energy regulation, metabolism, toxin clearance, and immune regulation. With a deeper understanding of the microbiome, many studies have shown that the microbiome is also actively involved in the occurrence and development of tumors. The core mechanism of dysregulated microorganisms and their derivatives in the treatment response and toxicity management of tumors is the regulation of the immune function. This article explores the evolution of the microbiome and its impact on the immune function during tumor progression, and focuses on analyzing cutting-edge treatment strategies targeting the microbiome, as well as future research directions and challenges in clinical translation.

Keywords: immune regulatory cells; microbiome; tumor; tumor immunity; tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome* / immunology
  • Humans
  • Microbiota* / immunology
  • Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Neoplasms* / microbiology
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology