Effect of Streptococcus anginosus on biological response of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus anginosus (S. anginosus) was reported increased in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of oral cancer cells in the biological characteristics evoked by the S. anginosus and investigate its potential mechanisms. METHODS: The growth curve and concentration standard curve of S. anginosus were determined, and a series of concentrations of S. anginosus supernatant were applied to OSCC cell lines SCC15, then selected an optimal time and concentration by CCK-8 assay. Then autophagic response, proliferative activity, cell cycle and apoptosis, invasion and migration abilities were evaluated in SCC15. RESULTS: The results showed that when the ratio of S. anginosus supernatant to cell culture medium was 1:1 and the co-culture time was 16 h, the inhibitory effect on SCC15 was the most obvious; Furthermore, the supernatant of Streptococcus upregulated the autophagy activity of SCC15, thus significantly inhibiting its proliferation, migration and invasion ability. Compared with control groups, the cell cycle showed G1 arrest, S and G2/M phases decreased, and the percentage of apoptotic cells relatively increased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: S. anginosus reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion of SCC15 cells and promoted cell apoptosis; Moreover, autophagy may be one of the mechanisms in this process. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-021-01505-3.