Alipanahi Parisa, Khosrojerdi Arezou, Pagheh Abdol Satar, Hatam-Nahavandi Kareem, Ahmadpour Ehsan
Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
Infect Agent Cancer. 2025 Jun 18;20(1):39. doi: 10.1186/s13027-025-00673-z.
(), an intracellular protozoan parasite, has attracted significant attention in recent years for its dual role in both promoting and inhibiting cancer. Although traditionally recognized as a potential risk factor for tumor development, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, emerging research suggests that may possess anti-cancer properties. This paradox is rooted in the parasite’s ability to modulate the host’s immune system, triggering antitumor immune responses through the activation of immune cells and the secretion of cytokines such as TNF-α and IFN-γ. has demonstrated efficacy in reversing tumor-associated immunosuppression, inhibiting angiogenesis, and promoting tumor regression in preclinical models. However, its potential as an immunotherapeutic agent is tempered by the risks associated with administering live parasites, including infection and immune system complications. This article reviews the current understanding of impact on cancer and its potential role in cancer therapy. Despite promising preclinical results, challenges remain, including the need for safer therapeutic approaches. Future research should focus on genetically modified or attenuated strains of that retain their antitumor capabilities while minimizing risks. Understanding the underlying mechanisms by which modulates the tumor microenvironment will be crucial for translating these findings into clinical applications, potentially offering new avenues for cancer treatment.
（），一种细胞内原生动物寄生虫，近年来因其在促进和抑制癌症方面的双重作用而备受关注。尽管传统上被认为是肿瘤发展的潜在危险因素，尤其是在免疫功能低下的个体中，但新出现的研究表明（）可能具有抗癌特性。这种矛盾源于寄生虫调节宿主免疫系统的能力，通过激活免疫细胞和分泌细胞因子如肿瘤坏死因子-α和干扰素-γ引发抗肿瘤免疫反应。在临床前模型中，（）已证明在逆转肿瘤相关免疫抑制、抑制血管生成和促进肿瘤消退方面具有疗效。然而，其作为免疫治疗剂的潜力因施用活寄生虫相关的风险而受到影响，包括感染和免疫系统并发症。本文综述了目前对（）对癌症影响及其在癌症治疗中潜在作用的理解。尽管临床前结果很有前景，但挑战依然存在，包括需要更安全的治疗方法。未来的研究应集中在基因改造或减毒的（）菌株上，这些菌株保留其抗肿瘤能力，同时将风险降至最低。了解（）调节肿瘤微环境的潜在机制对于将这些发现转化为临床应用至关重要，可能为癌症治疗提供新途径。
