Daniel Brown Romero, George E. Finney, Michael Dudek, Laura J. Pallett
{"title":"Tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells: master deciphers of the hepatic environment","authors":"Daniel Brown Romero, George E. Finney, Michael Dudek, Laura J. Pallett","doi":"10.1038/s41575-025-01118-z","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41575-025-01118-z","url":null,"abstract":"Tissue-resident memory CD8+ T (CD8+ TRM) cells are localized within peripheral tissues, such as the liver, poised to provide effective immunosurveillance, as well as rapid and enhanced effector functions upon stimulation. Here we review how hepatic CD8+ TRM cells decipher a myriad of environmental signals, ranging from cellular and soluble factors to direct interactions with the underlying stroma and structural tissue niche, which dictate their derivation, retention and function. We discuss insights from both mouse and human studies that have contributed to our understanding of how CD8+ TRM cells can, depending on the context, provide targeted antigen-specific antiviral and antitumour immune responses and elicit antigen-independent tissue-damaging responses that contribute to liver pathology. Specifically, we discuss how the CD8+ TRM cell functional response is shaped by multiple factors and how such environmental cues tip the balance between these dual ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ response modes. Finally, we examine strategies to better identify and characterize hepatic CD8⁺ TRM cells and how the enhanced functionality of CD8+ TRM cells can be harnessed therapeutically in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma. This Review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells in hepatic immune responses, explores their dual function in liver immunoprotection and immunopathology, and discusses their therapeutic potential.","PeriodicalId":18793,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &Hepatology","volume":"22 12","pages":"814-828"},"PeriodicalIF":51.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41575-025-01118-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145117175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multifaceted effects of the microbiome in pancreatic cancer: from association to modulation","authors":"Ryan M. Thomas","doi":"10.1038/s41575-025-01119-y","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41575-025-01119-y","url":null,"abstract":"Investigations into the microbiome in human diseases have exponentially increased over the past several decades, and the microbiome has been associated with nearly every malignancy, with research moving beyond associative studies to investigations into the microbiome as a causative factor in carcinogenesis. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common malignancy of the pancreas, is a major cause of worldwide cancer mortality owing to the lack of screening methods, late stage at diagnosis and poor response to currently available treatments. Microbiome–pancreatic cancer research has advanced, with research demonstrating that elements of the gut microbiome can modulate antitumour immune function, and microbial-derived products have been shown to influence response to chemotherapy. Additionally, microbiome-based ‘signatures’ have been identified that can act as biomarkers to predict PDAC and improve on currently available serum tumour markers. In this Review, how the microbiome mechanistically influences pancreatic tumours, with a focus on PDAC, and its clinical implications is described using ground-breaking historical and contemporary studies as a framework. The direction for future studies is also discussed. The gut microbiome has been associated with pancreatic cancer. This Review summarizes the latest findings of microbiota association studies of tumours of the pancreas and outlines the mechanisms as to how the microbiome influences pancreatic cancer and the clinical potential of harnessing the microbiome in pancreatic cancer.","PeriodicalId":18793,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &Hepatology","volume":"22 12","pages":"829-845"},"PeriodicalIF":51.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145117174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Food as medicine in gastrointestinal cancer therapy","authors":"Fiona C. Malcomson, Mihir M. Shah, Urvi A. Shah","doi":"10.1038/s41575-025-01117-0","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41575-025-01117-0","url":null,"abstract":"Diet modulates not only gastrointestinal cancer risk but also survivorship, providing an opportunity to improve cancer-related outcomes and quality of life through suitable dietary and lifestyle interventions in survivors of cancer. This Comment summarizes the evidence and ongoing trials investigating diet in gastrointestinal cancer survival, including potential underlying mechanisms and future research directions.","PeriodicalId":18793,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &Hepatology","volume":"22 11","pages":"736-738"},"PeriodicalIF":51.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145083623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Frances J. England, Manqiang Lin, Michael Sigal, Simon J. Leedham
{"title":"Defining the mucosal ecosystem: epithelial–mesenchymal interdependence in gastrointestinal health and disease","authors":"Frances J. England, Manqiang Lin, Michael Sigal, Simon J. Leedham","doi":"10.1038/s41575-025-01113-4","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41575-025-01113-4","url":null,"abstract":"The crypt–villus architecture of the intestinal mucosa is underpinned by dynamic interactions between distinct populations of epithelial, stromal and immune cells. Although the epithelial compartment has attracted substantial attention, there is a growing appreciation for the critical role of mesenchymal cells in shaping epithelial stem cell function and dictating lineage specification. In this Review, we outline how the epithelial and mesenchymal compartments of the developing gut evolve in a mutually dependent manner to establish dynamic reciprocal signalling gradients that maintain adult tissue homeostasis. We discuss how perturbations to this delicate ecosystem result in rapid adaptive cellular responses that act to restore tissue function. Furthermore, we explore how the intricate nature of cell fate interdependence also renders the mucosa susceptible to pathological disruption. Drawing on the latest studies, we highlight the crosstalk networks between the epithelial and stromal compartments that underlie these processes and consider how these insights are informing future research directions and therapeutic strategies. In doing so, we advocate for a shift away from the conventional epithelial-centric paradigm toward a more integrated framework that considers the full spectrum of intercellular interactions maintaining intestinal tissue integrity and shaping disease progression. This Review focuses on epithelial–mesenchymal crosstalk and how these interactions shape development, health and disease in the intestinal mucosa. The dynamic nature of this ecosystem is highlighted, offering insights into cell fate, cellular reprogramming after tissue damage and the pathways co-opted in neoplasia.","PeriodicalId":18793,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &Hepatology","volume":"22 11","pages":"741-754"},"PeriodicalIF":51.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145031828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dopaminergic signalling in gastrointestinal health and disease","authors":"Trisha S. Pasricha, Subhash Kulkarni","doi":"10.1038/s41575-025-01112-5","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41575-025-01112-5","url":null,"abstract":"Enteric dopaminergic signalling has a critical role in gastrointestinal motility, maintaining mucosal integrity and modulating the gut microbiome. In this Review, we provide an overview of dopamine metabolism and signalling pathways in the central nervous system and periphery and their effects on gastrointestinal health and disease. We describe the physiological role of enteric dopamine, including a discussion of therapeutic opportunities and future research needs. With rising interest in the gut-first hypothesis of Parkinson disease, an area of great interest is how dopaminergic depletion in the gut could indicate future neurological dysfunction. In addition, dopamine signalling has been found to influence microbiome colonization resistance against enteric pathogens and immunoregulation. Emerging data on the effect of dopamine replacement therapy on gastrointestinal symptoms, across a range of conditions from neurodegenerative disease to inflammatory bowel disease, are also explored. In this Review, Pasricha and Kulkarni describe the role of dopaminergic signalling pathways in the central nervous system and periphery, and their role in gastrointestinal health and disease. In addition, they discuss emerging evidence and future directions.","PeriodicalId":18793,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &Hepatology","volume":"22 10","pages":"696-707"},"PeriodicalIF":51.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145017617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}