Modulating tumor immunity using advanced microbiome therapeutics producing an indole metabolite

The gut microbiome has emerged as a key player in modulating immune responses against cancer, suggesting that microbial interventions can enhance treatment outcomes. Indole metabolites produced by probiotic bacteria activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor important for immune cell regulation. Cancer patients with high plasma concentrations of these metabolites have shown improved survival. Building on these findings, we engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 to produce the AhR agonist indole-3-acetic acid. Delivery of indole-3-acetic acid by tumor-colonizing bacteria changes the tumor microenvironment in a murine model, significantly increasing cytokines CXCL9 and IFN-γ and elevating tumor-infiltrating T-cell abundance and activation. Treatment with our engineered strain inhibits tumor growth, improves survival in syngeneic tumor models, and leads to long-lasting immunity in a tumor rechallenge experiment. Further investigation indicates that this immune modulation is mediated by direct indole-3-acetic acid action on the AhR, leading to differential cytokine expression and a shift in immune cell composition within the tumor. This study highlights the importance of microbial metabolites in immune modulation and supports exploring microbiome-based therapies in oncology.