Bacteria protect intestinal tumor model from being killed by immune cells

(Cell Press) Bacteria that are commonly found in the mouth are often abundant in patients with colon cancer, but the potential role these microbes play in tumor development has not been clear. A study published by Cell Press Feb. 18 in the journal Immunity reveals that the oral pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum protects a variety of tumor cells from being killed by immune cells. The findings could open new avenues for the treatment of cancer in human patients.
Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news