Changes in the gut microbiota induced by KU-EF-004 administration
This study was designed to comprehensively evaluate how oral administration of KU-EF-004, a clinically isolated strain of Enterococcus faecalis, influences the antitumor efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the accompanying alterations in the gut microbial ecosystem. Specifically, we aimed to determine whether KU-EF-004 administration could enhance or modulate the therapeutic response to ICIs, such as anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1 antibodies, by reshaping the intestinal microbiota composition and functional profile. Through this investigation, we sought to gain mechanistic insights into the interaction between probiotic-like bacterial strains and host antitumor immunity.