Abstract
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US with an increasing prevalence worldwide. While ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a well-known risk factor, there is emerging evidence that the microbiota may also contribute. In recent years, the human microbiota has become a topic of great interest, and its association with inflammatory skin diseases (i.e., atopic dermatitis, acne, rosacea) has been explored. Little is known of the role of microbiota in skin cancer, but with the recognized link between microbial dysbiosis and inflammation, and knowledge that microbiota modulates the effect of UV-induced immunosuppression, theories connecting the two have surfaced. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the key literature on human microbiota, especially the skin microbiota, and skin cancer (i.e., non-melanoma skin cancer, melanoma, cutaneous T cell lymphoma). Also, mechanistic perspectives as to how our microbiota influence skin cancer development and treatment are offered.
Highlights
This study suggests that the overabundance of S. aureus in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can affect the expression of human beta defensin-2 (hBD-2), which might induce the proliferation of SCC
We looked into the dysbiosis of the skin microbiota in various skin cancers (Table 1)
Activation of the skin immune system, production of microbial metabolites and toxins, barrier disruption, and UV radiation altogether may be associated with alterations of skin microbiota, leading to the initiation and progression of skin cancer, and its response to therapy
Summary
The human body is colonized by a vast number of microbes, collectively referred to as the human microbiota. The link between these microbes and our health is the focus of a growing number of research initiatives, and new insights are emerging rapidly. Since microbial dysbiosis is linked with chronic inflammation, inflammation-mediated carcinogenesis processes, and immune evasion, it is not surprising that microbes are associated with the development of specific cancers. Such relationship has been reported with the role of H. pylori in gastric cancer and Fusobacterium in colorectal cancers.
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