Scientists at the UF Health Cancer Institute have identified a naturally occurring bacterial compound that may improve the effectiveness of lung cancer immunotherapy. A study published Dec. 19, 2025 in Cell Reports Medicine found that the compound, called Bac429, doubled treatment responses in mice.
Dr. Rachel Newsome, a lead researcher on the study, highlighted the potential of the compound, stating that it could be administered alongside or before immune checkpoint therapy to enhance patient response without additional invasive treatment. The discovery builds on evidence that the gut microbiome influences the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. While analyzing fecal samples from patients who responded well to immunotherapy, the team identified a single metabolite that mimics the immune-stimulating effects of six effective bacterial strains, according to UF News.
Christian Jobin, co-leader of the Immuno-Oncology and Microbiome research program at UF Health Cancer Institute, emphasized the innovative nature of the study. His lab has developed a pipeline to harness the therapeutic potential of the microbiota, aiming to translate microbiome science into practical cancer treatments.
Jobin’s lab is also investigating how diet affects the metabolite’s function, exploring the potential for dietary interventions to enhance cancer treatment responses. While the current study focused on lung cancer, the researchers believe Bac429 could have applications across multiple cancer types. Jobin noted the possibility of attaching the molecule to an antibody or a lipid nanoparticle, suggesting a future in which combination therapies become standard.
Significant financial support for this research came from Gatorade royalties, alongside grants from organizations like the National Cancer Institute and the UF College of Medicine. The findings have already sparked commercial interest with the formation of Bebi Therapeutics Inc., a biotech company where Newsome and Jobin are involved. As UF pursues multiple patent applications related to the microbial-derived molecules, hopes are high that the discovery could lead to life-saving treatments for countless patients in the future.
