Researchers at Washington University found that Ruminococcus gnavus gut bacteria enhances cancer immunotherapy effects in mice, suggesting a new strategy using gut microbes.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered that a strain of gut bacteria called Ruminococcus gnavus enhances the effects of cancer immunotherapy in mice. The study, published in Science Immunology, suggests a new strategy of using gut microbes to help unlock immunotherapy's untapped cancer-fighting potential. The findings highlight the important role gut microbiome plays in mobilizing the immune system to attack cancer cells.