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Tan Q, Cao X, Zou F, Wang H, Xiong L, Deng S. Spatial Heterogeneity of Intratumoral Microbiota: A New Frontier in Cancer Immunotherapy Resistance. Biomedicines 2025; 13:1261. [PMID: 40427087 PMCID: PMC12108975 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines13051261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2025] [Revised: 05/18/2025] [Accepted: 05/20/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
The intratumoral microbiota, as an important component of the tumor microenvironment, is increasingly recognized as a key factor in regulating responses to cancer immunotherapy. Recent studies have revealed that the intratumoral microbiota is not uniformly distributed but instead exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity, with its distribution patterns influenced by factors such as tumor anatomy, local immune status, and therapeutic interventions. This spatial heterogeneity not only alters the interactions between microbes and the host immune system but may also reshape the immunogenic and immunosuppressive landscapes of tumors. The enrichment or depletion of microbiota in different tumor regions can influence immune cell infiltration patterns, metabolic pathway activities, and immune checkpoint molecule expression, thereby driving the development of resistance to immunotherapy. Moreover, certain bacterial metabolites form concentration gradients between the tumor core and margins, thereby regulating immune cell function. Therefore, understanding and manipulating the spatial distribution of intratumoral microbiota, particularly in resistant patients, holds promise for developing new strategies to overcome immunotherapy resistance. In the future, precise modulation strategies targeting microbial spatial heterogeneity, such as engineered bacterial vectors, probiotic combinations, and phage therapy, may open new avenues for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwen Tan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China;
| | - Xiongjing Cao
- Department of Nosocomial Infection Management, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China;
| | - Falong Zou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (F.Z.); (H.W.)
| | - Hanwenchen Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (F.Z.); (H.W.)
| | - Lijuan Xiong
- Department of Infectious Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China;
- Department of Nosocomial Infection Management, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China;
| | - Shenghe Deng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (F.Z.); (H.W.)
- Center for Liver Transplantation, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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Kazlauskaitė J, Žukienė G, Rudaitis V, Bartkevičienė D. The Vaginal Microbiota, Human Papillomavirus, and Cervical Dysplasia-A Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2025; 61:847. [PMID: 40428805 PMCID: PMC12112763 DOI: 10.3390/medicina61050847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2025] [Revised: 04/24/2025] [Accepted: 05/03/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The relationship between the vaginal microbiota, human papillomavirus infection (HPV), and cervical precancerous lesions is a critical area of research, as it influences both the progression of HPV-related diseases and potential treatment strategies. New evidence suggests that Lactobacillus crispatus dominance in the microbiota may protect against HPV persistence and speed the elimination of HPV. This study aims to explore the relationship between the vaginal microbiota composition and HPV infection, focusing on the impact of these factors on the development of cervical precancerous lesions. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the PubMed database, focusing on studies that analyzed the association between the vaginal microbiota and HPV infection in the context of cervical dysplasia. This study was primarily based on clinical data on HPV integration in women with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), and cervical cancer. Results: Different types of vaginal microbiota communities (CSTs) have different pathogenic or protective potential. Healthy women predominantly exhibited CST I, with Lactobacillus crispatus as the dominant microorganism. CST IV, associated with increased anaerobic bacteria, was most common in HSIL and cervical cancer patients. Statistical analysis revealed that bacterial vaginosis (BV) was significantly associated with HPV persistence, with studies reporting a 1.8-3.4-fold increased risk (p < 0.05) of persistent HR-HPV infection in BV-positive women. Conclusions: Our literature review suggests that the composition of the vaginal microbiota can modulate the local immune response, the expression of viral oncogenes, and the integrity of the epithelial barrier. Furthermore, certain bacterial genes or metabolic pathways can be associated with a favorable or unfavorable outcome of the disease. Analysis of the vaginal microbiota could serve as an additional risk assessment tool, helping to distinguish between regressing and progressive precancerous conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guoda Žukienė
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (V.R.); (D.B.)
| | - Vilius Rudaitis
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (V.R.); (D.B.)
| | - Daiva Bartkevičienė
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (V.R.); (D.B.)
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