The Role of the Vaginal Microbiome in Immune Modulation in Cervical Cancer: Composition, Molecular Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential
Junhao Chen, Menglei Zhang, Yingxin Gong, Zheng Gu, Hang Zhou, Yuanyuan Gu, Fang Shen, Guannan Zhou, Jingxin Ding
Abstract
Accumulating evidence demonstrates that the tumor microenvironment (TME) drives immune suppression through complicated regulations including host-microbe interactions, which poses vaginal microbiome as one of vital regulators of immune microenvironment. This narrative review examined the composition and dynamic changes of vaginal microbiota during carcinogenesis, focusing on mechanistic insights linking microbial dysbiosis to tumor immunity. Notably, commensal bacteria exhibit diverse immunoregulatory functions that can either potentiate or inhibit anti-tumor responses. Clinical evidence further reveals that CST IV microbiota associates with significantly elevated cancer risk, while probiotic interventions show promise in restoring immune surveillance. Critical gaps in standardization of microbiota-based therapies are addressed, emphasizing the need for strain-specific characterization and optimized delivery systems. Collectively, deciphering vaginal microbiome-immune crosstalk opens new avenues for precision interception against cervical cancer.