Study Discovers Molecule of Gut Bacteria That Boosts Immunotherapy Response
Scientists have identified a compound produced by gut bacteria that sharply improves how tumors respond to immunotherapy, offering a potential breakthrough for patients who currently see little benefit from these treatments. The discovery centers on a small molecule called Bac429, which enhanced lung cancer treatment outcomes in mice and is now being developed into a drug suitable for human trials. The research was led by a team at the UF Health Cancer Institute and focuses on immune checkpoint inhibitors, a class of cancer drugs designed to help the immune system recognize and attack tumors. While these therapies have changed cancer care, their effectiveness remains limited. Rachel Newsome, study author…

