Researchers at the National Cancer Center Japan have identified a previously unknown gut bacterium, named Hominenteromicrobium strain YB328, that enhances the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade therapies, particularly PD-1 blockade immunotherapy, used in cancer treatment. This bacterium, isolated from the feces of patients who responded well to these therapies, promotes antitumor immunity by activating tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and enhancing dendritic cell migration. The discovery, published in the journal Nature, suggests potential applications in developing new drugs that could improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes. Additionally, another study highlighted the role of Alistipes finegoldii in augmenting immunotherapy efficacy against solid tumors. Separately, international research led by CNIC_CARDIO identified a gut microbiota-produced metabolite, imidazole propionate (ImP), associated with atherosclerosis, proposing early detection of this molecule in blood for diagnosis and treatment of the disease.