Microbiota in Cancer Development

The human body is rife with microbes. Some are pathogens, invading with malicious intent, while others are welcomed for their symbiotic contribution to overall wellbeing. Irrespective of intentions, however, both parties of microbes could be enhancing neoplastic progression and fostering tumor development in various anatomical regions. In this special issue of Pathobiology, a select group of multidisciplinary experts present the potential effects of microbes and microbiota on human innate immunology, the induction of beneficial inflammatory response and their possible contribution to carcinogenesis. In doing so, they further emphasize the necessity of such investigations and expand the existing discussion on immune system efficiency and the influence of microbiota in cancer development. This collection places a special focus on the frequently challenging digestive system; beginning with carcinomas in the oral cavity, the study progressively descends the digestive tract to investigate carcinomas of the stomach, and concludes this journey by examining the crucial participation of Fusobacterium in intestinal carcinogenesis. Further articles investigate the part microbiomes of the respiratory tract play on pulmonary carcinogenesis, as well as the multiparty participation of female genital tract microbiomes and human papillomavirus in the development of cervical carcinoma. Given the multidisciplinary nature of this special issue, experts from diverse fields of research will find value in the chance to view familiar topics through a novel pathobiological lens.