{"title":"Challenges and future directions in head and neck microbiome research.","authors":"Divyambika Catakapatri Venugopal, Kondaveeti Satish Srinivas","doi":"10.1016/bs.ai.2026.03.010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.ai.2026.03.010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The microbial imbalance in head and neck cancer (HNC) is a promising area of research for developing targeted therapies. Maintenance of microbial diversity and balance through prebiotics, probiotics and faecal microbial transplantation (FMT) holds a potential approach in reestablishing the gut health. Preclinical studies and early clinical trials have shown positive results in restoring the favourable microbial environment, thereby minimizing the inflammation and maximizing the positive immune response. However, the link between microbial flora associated with oral dysbiosis, the associated biomarkers and HNC tumorigenesis needs to be further explored. Future research focusses on developing standardised strategies for maintaining the microbial environment, to serve as an adjunct to the standard treatment protocols for HNC. Biomarkers predicting immune response, synthetic genetically engineered beneficial bacteria, integration of metagenomics, metabolomics and meta transcriptomics for intra-tumoral microbial evaluation are the focus areas of emerging research.</p>","PeriodicalId":50862,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Immunology","volume":"170 ","pages":"189-227"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148563437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of the oral microbiome in oral cancer (OSCC).","authors":"Mahvash Tavassoli, Asterios Antoniou, Dimitris Tatsis","doi":"10.1016/bs.ai.2026.03.011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.ai.2026.03.011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This chapter explores the significant role of oral microbiome dysbiosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) pathogenesis, highlighting mechanisms such as chronic inflammation via NF-κB activation by Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, production of oncogenic metabolites (for example, acetaldehyde, N-nitrosamines), immune evasion through PD-L1 upregulation and T-cell suppression, and direct carcinogenic effects including epithelial-mesenchymal transition and apoptosis inhibition. In this comprehensive overview, microbes with key role in OSCC pathogenesis, including F. nucleatum (invasion promotion, hypoxia mimicry), P. gingivalis (EMT induction), Capnocytophaga gingivalis (diagnostic potential), and Candida albicans (acetaldehyde synthesis), are examined, alongside interactions with established risk factors. Diagnostic advancements could potentially include salivary biomarkers (IL-6, miRNAs, bacterial panels) and AI-driven models achieving AUC >0.9, with microbial diversity shifts aiding early detection and prognosis. Recent research investigate findings in mycobiome and HPV influences, therapy modulation (e.g., radiotherapy-induced dysbiosis), epigenetic effects, and hypoxia pathways. Challenges include establishing causality, study inconsistencies, and the need for multiomics approaches, with future directions emphasizing longitudinal research, standardized protocols, and microbiome-targeted therapies to enhance OSCC prevention, diagnosis, and management.</p>","PeriodicalId":50862,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Immunology","volume":"170 ","pages":"35-74"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148563472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Advances in ImmunologyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-04-07DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2026.03.005
Jayatilake Jams, R D Jayasinghe
{"title":"Introduction.","authors":"Jayatilake Jams, R D Jayasinghe","doi":"10.1016/bs.ai.2026.03.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.ai.2026.03.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Microorganisms colonize nearly all anatomical sites of the human body, with the oral cavity hosting one of the most diverse, accessible, and densely populated microbial ecosystems. The oral microbiome comprises a complex consortium of bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protozoa that inhabit distinct ecological niches. Each niche provides unique physicochemical conditions that shape microbial composition, structure, and function. In addition to oral and dental sites, oral biofilms frequently develop on dental materials, appliances, and prostheses, where surface characteristics such as roughness, hydrophobicity, and chemical composition further influence microbial adhesion and biofilm maturation, leading to marked differences at species and strain levels. Advances in culture-independent molecular technologies, particularly 16S rRNA gene sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, and other multi-omics approaches, have greatly enhanced understanding of oral microbial diversity, functional capacity, and host-microbe interactions beyond the limitations of conventional culture-based methods. In health, the oral microbiome exists in a state of dynamic equilibrium, or eubiosis, which contributes to local and systemic homeostasis. This balance is modulated by host factors such as saliva composition, immune responses, and oral hygiene practices, as well as environmental influences including diet, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. Disruption of this equilibrium, termed dysbiosis, has been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of head and neck cancers. Emerging evidence suggests that microbial dysbiosis may promote carcinogenesis through chronic inflammation, immune modulation, production of carcinogenic metabolites, and direct interactions with epithelial cells. Understanding the microbiology of head and neck cancer therefore provides critical insights into disease initiation, progression, and potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":50862,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Immunology","volume":"169 ","pages":"3-23"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"G-Protein coupled receptor-mediated internalization and endosomal sorting of Tau-GPCR complex in microglia.","authors":"Hariharakrishnan Chidamabram, Vaishnavi Ananathanarayana, Subashchandrabose Chinnathambi","doi":"10.1016/bs.ai.2025.11.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.ai.2025.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), which are in constant surveillance of the brain microenvironment to maintain tissue homeostasis. Microglia play significant role both in the physiological and pathological conditions of the brain. Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that includes progressive dementia and cognitive deficits. The two main culprits of AD are extracellular amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles formed by Tau protein. In AD brain, intrinsically disordered Tau undergoes rapid oligomerization and self-aggregates to form filamentous species. Clearance of these toxic species is mainly performed by microglia, which can sense through various receptors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), G-Protein coupled receptor (GPCRs), purinergic receptors, etc. One such receptor is P2Y12R, a purinergic receptor whose expression is restricted to microglia in CNS. In this review, we envisioned providing an insight into the involvement of P2Y12R, a purinergic cell surface receptor that facilitates the internalization of Tau along with the other mechanisms of Tau clearance in microglia. Exploring these receptors and elucidating the mechanisms underlying Tau transmission could pave the way for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at impeding the spread of Tau pathology in neurodegenerative diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":50862,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Immunology","volume":"171 ","pages":"147-173"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148800773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lipid nanoparticle mediated mRNA delivery in cancer immunotherapy.","authors":"Gyati Shilakari Asthana, Saptarshee Bhattacharjee, Jitendra Kumar, Soyal Sayyed, Amulya Jindal, Pankaj Kumar, Abhijeet Chinchane, Atreyee Bhattacharyya, Roshani Jaiswal, Sagar Kulkarni, Shubham Gajdhane, Jitender Madan, Abhay Asthana","doi":"10.1016/bs.ai.2025.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.ai.2025.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) have emerged as a transformative strategy in cancer immunotherapy. This chapter explores the pivotal role of LNPs in enabling the efficient and targeted delivery of mRNA for cancer treatment, offering an innovative alternative to traditional therapies. LNPs protect mRNA from degradation, ensure its safe passage into the cytoplasm of target cells, and promote the expression of tumor-specific antigens that can activate the immune system against cancer cells. This chapter covers the fundamental properties of lipid nanoparticles, including their composition, structure, and functional modifications, as well as their mechanism of action in mRNA delivery. It also delves into optimizing LNPs to enhance targeting specificity, reduce toxicity, and improve therapeutic efficacy in cancer immunotherapy. Advances in the design of these nanoparticles, including innovations in surface functionalization and their role in overcoming tumor microenvironment barriers, are discussed. The chapter further examines preclinical and clinical applications of LNP-mediated mRNA cancer vaccines and therapies, highlighting recent successes and case studies. In addition, challenges such as ensuring efficient delivery, managing off-target effects, and addressing potential immune reactions are explored. Finally, future perspectives on developing more advanced LNPs and mRNA therapies, including their potential for personalized cancer treatments, are discussed. By providing an in-depth understanding of the current state and future potential of LNP-mediated mRNA delivery, this chapter aims to offer valuable insights into how this technology is shaping the future of cancer immunotherapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":50862,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Immunology","volume":"166 ","pages":"37-75"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144755042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Personalized precision: Revolutionizing cancer treatment with mRNA-based vaccines in melanoma therapy.","authors":"Krishnendu Adhikary, Abhik Paul, Ayush Madan, Anas Islam, Sumel Ashique, Mohhammad Ramzan","doi":"10.1016/bs.ai.2024.10.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.ai.2024.10.011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biological and societal issues are involved when we refer to a condition as cancer, which connotes loss, complexity, and uncertainty. In recent decades, the number of melanomas has climbed. Cancer treatment vaccines have induced immune responses against tumor-associated but not tumor-specific antigens. Cancer therapy may use mRNA vaccines after COVID-19 pandemic regulation advancements. Therapy mRNA cancer vaccines as advanced immunotherapies gain prominence. Using messenger RNA, the mRNA-4157/V940 cancer vaccine encodes 34 patient-specific tumor euroantigens. mRNA-4157/V940, like the COVID-19 vaccination, instructs the immune system to distinguish healthy and malignant cells using messenger RNA. T cell responses are tailored to a patient's tumor mutational pattern using this unique immunization. The drug suppresses PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2. T lymphocytes activated by pembrolizumab may affect cancer and non-cancerous cells. Early clinical trials suggest pembrolizumab and mRNA-4157/V940 may boost T cell-mediated cancer killing. Knowing the status and problems of melanoma therapeutic mRNA cancer vaccines in clinical trials is critical. In this chapter, we have focused on preclinical and clinical advances that have revealed mRNA melanoma vaccine manufacturing issues and solutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":50862,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Immunology","volume":"166 ","pages":"137-167"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144755044","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Advances in ImmunologyPub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-12-02DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2024.10.009
Kashish Wilson, Garima, Meenakshi Dhanawat
{"title":"Nucleic acid delivery as a therapeutic approach for cancer immunotherapy.","authors":"Kashish Wilson, Garima, Meenakshi Dhanawat","doi":"10.1016/bs.ai.2024.10.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.ai.2024.10.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The number of immuno-oncology medication approvals in current years has increased, indicating the immense potential of cancer immunotherapy. Nucleic acid therapy has advanced significantly in the interim. The diverse capabilities of nucleic acid therapies, gene-editing guide RNA (gRNA), immunomodulatory DNA/RNA, messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA and siRNA, plasmids, and antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), for modification of immune responses and change the target endogenous or synthetic gene's expression, make them appealing. These skills can be extremely important in the creation of innovative immunotherapy approaches. To be effective, these treatments must, however, overcome a number of delivery challenges, such as quick in vivo disintegration, inadequate absorption inside target cells, necessary nuclear entrance, along with possible in-vivo toxic potential in tissues and cells that are healthy. Several of these obstacles have been addressed by the development of nanoparticle delivery methods, which allow nucleic acid therapies to be safely and successfully delivered to immune cells. The nucleic acid applications for medicines employed for immunotherapy against cancer are covered in this chapter, along with the development of nanoparticle platforms that carry genome editing, mRNA, and DNA systems for improving the efficacy and safety profile in various therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":50862,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Immunology","volume":"165 ","pages":"37-62"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144192473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Advances in ImmunologyPub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-04-13DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2024.12.001
Arun Kumar Singh, Karan Goel, Meenakshi Dhanawat
{"title":"Plasmid DNA and mRNA delivery: Approaches and challenges.","authors":"Arun Kumar Singh, Karan Goel, Meenakshi Dhanawat","doi":"10.1016/bs.ai.2024.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.ai.2024.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>for delivery of plasmid DNA and mRNA transform biology and medicine, offering powerful tools for gene therapy, vaccine development, cancer immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine. Plasmid DNA provides a relatively stable and sustained expression of the genes which also provides the basic groundwork for long-lasting therapeutic. At the same time, mRNA has also demonstrated more appropriateness for dynamic and time-sensitive applications due to its short-lived and accurate translation capabilities, such as during the development of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. Despite their unique advantages, however, the efficient delivery of these biomolecules poses challenges including immune system activation, enzymatic degradation, and limited cellular uptake. The structural and functional features of plasmid DNA and mRNA highlighted the positive functions that underpin their complementary roles in next-generation biomedical applications. In addition, it highlights the novel delivery routes across lipid nanoparticles, polymeric systems, biomimetic carriers, and hybrid applied sciences which can resolve long-standing challenges to efficient distribution. Emerging technologies such as CRISPR gene editing, self-amplifying RNA, and multiplexed nanoparticles are also increasing the utility of these systems. Significant advances in the delivery of plasmid DNA and mRNA molecules have revolutionized vaccine development, opened new avenues in personalized medicine, and have also inspired a future with engineerable tissues. As these innovations develop, they are predicted to go beyond current limitations and bring around a fresh era of accurate medication taking on one of the global healthcare's most complex challenges. Our revolutionary delivery methods provide stability and simplicity, transforming medical advances.</p>","PeriodicalId":50862,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Immunology","volume":"165 ","pages":"63-87"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144192474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Advances in ImmunologyPub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-12-03DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2024.10.013
Monika Vishwakarma, Wasim Akram, Tanweer Haider
{"title":"Therapeutic mRNAs for cancer immunotherapy: From structure to delivery.","authors":"Monika Vishwakarma, Wasim Akram, Tanweer Haider","doi":"10.1016/bs.ai.2024.10.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.ai.2024.10.013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>mRNA carries genetic information and is used for the synthesis of proteins, fragments of proteins, and peptides in the scope of biotechnology and medicine. Once introduced into cells, this mRNA gets translated into a corresponding protein with cellular machinery. All kinds of mRNA encoding any protein, peptide, and fragment of proteins have been designed to be used for various therapeutic goals, including cancerous diseases, immunotherapy, vaccine preparation, tissue engineering, and genetic disorders, among others. These vaccines encode tumor-specific antigens that stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Additionally, mRNA can be designed to produce proteins that modulate immune checkpoints, thereby enhancing the immune system's ability to target cancer cells. Synthetic mRNA can also engineer immune cells, such as T cells, to improve their cancer-fighting capabilities. For instance, mRNA can be engineered to generate CAR T cells targeting specific antigens that are expressed in the cancer. Designed mRNA can encode functional proteins in patients suffering from genetic disorders characterized by an absence or defect in a particular protein. However, mRNA is intrinsically unstable and may require special mechanisms to protect it from degradation. mRNA delivery to target cells remains a challenge. Engineered nanocarriers containing mRNA can improve the efficiency and enable the delivery to specific sites, that can provide a stimulant or substance for therapeutic purposes. This combination may improve their stability and efficacy in multiple applications of therapies. The following chapter throws light on basic advances in mRNA-based cancer therapy and provides insights into the nanotherapeutics using mRNA in key preclinical developments and the evolving clinical landscape.</p>","PeriodicalId":50862,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Immunology","volume":"165 ","pages":"163-197"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144192476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Advances in ImmunologyPub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-06-27DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2025.04.002
Marina Mayer, Eliana Franco Taveras, Elvira Mass
{"title":"Ontogeny and function of microglia and nerve-associated macrophages.","authors":"Marina Mayer, Eliana Franco Taveras, Elvira Mass","doi":"10.1016/bs.ai.2025.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.ai.2025.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Macrophages are essential immune cells that arise early during embryogenesis and persist as tissue-resident cells into adulthood. This chapter explores macrophage development, focusing on their roles in the nervous system. We describe their distinct origins from early hematopoietic waves and their differentiation into specialized populations such as microglia and border-associated macrophages (BAMs) in the central nervous system (CNS) as well as nerve-associated macrophages in the peripheral (PNS) and enteric nervous system (ENS). These macrophage populations are crucial for tissue development, maintenance, and repair mediating their effects through intricate cellular communication networks with neighboring cells. Furthermore, we discuss how disruptions in macrophage development - driven by factors such as maternal obesity, stress, or environmental pollutants - can have profound and lasting impacts on neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative outcomes. Gaining a deeper understanding of these developmental processes offers valuable insights into nervous system integrity and reveals potential therapeutic avenues for mitigating disease-related consequences.</p>","PeriodicalId":50862,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Immunology","volume":"167 ","pages":"91-122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}