The Tumor Mycobiome: Fungal Drivers of Carcinogenesis, Immunity, and Therapy Response

While the bacterial microbiome is now recognized as a key hallmark of cancer, the fungal component, the mycobiome, remains a largely unexplored frontier in oncology and cellular microbiology. The current state of knowledge suggests that although fungi constitute a small fraction of the tumor microbiota, their immunological potency is disproportionately high. Recent pan-cancer analyses have revealed that specific fungal species can colonize intracellular niches within tumor tissues, activate distinct immune pathways, and significantly influence the tumor microenvironment. There is growing evidence that the mycobiome can drive carcinogenesis through the production of genotoxic metabolites, the promotion of chronic inflammation, and the modulation of host immunity. Despite these emerging insights, the specific cellular mechanisms by which fungi interact with cancer cells and other microbes within the tumor remain poorly understood.The primary goal of this Research Topic is to move beyond mere taxonomic characterization and delve into the functional roles of the mycobiome in cancer. The focus will be on mechanistic and translational studies that elucidate how fungal-host interactions drive tumor initiation, progression, and response to therapy. The research aims to highlight true drivers of disease, identifying specific fungal signatures that correlate with clinical outcomes. Additionally, the research will investigate the complex interplay between the mycobiome and the bacterial microbiome and how these dynamics alter the efficacy of immunotherapies and chemotherapy.The scope of this Research Topic is limited to the functional and cellular role of fungi in the context of cancer and their potential as therapeutic targets or biomarkers.We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:-Mechanisms of fungal-induced inflammation and carcinogenesis (e.g., activation of the inflammasome, production of carcinogenic metabolites)-Intracellular fungi: cellular entry, survival mechanisms, and effects on host cell metabolism;-The role of the mycobiome in modulating responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1 blockade) and chemotherapy;-Fungal-bacterial crosstalk within the tumor microenvironment and its impact on disease progression;-The diagnostic potential of fungal DNA signatures in blood or tissue.. Topic editors: Fabio Cumbo, Aftab Alam Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78558/the-tumor-mycobiome-fungal-drivers-of-carcinogenesis-immunity-and-therapy-response