Cytokines and innate immune signaling via gut microbiota modulation

The gut microbiota-immune axis represents a complex physiological network where microbial-derived signals modulate host innate immunity and cytokine production (Belkaid & Hand, Science 2014). This process involves the recognition of microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) by host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NOD-like receptors (NLRs), which triggers downstream signaling cascades like NF-κB to regulate cytokine expression (Thaiss et al., Nature 2016). Additionally, microbial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) act as ligands for G protein-coupled receptors (e.g., GPR43) to promote anti-inflammatory responses and maintain intestinal barrier integrity (Koh et al., Cell 2016). Dysregulation of these pathways is linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, and altered responses to cancer immunotherapy (Rooks & Garrett, Nature Reviews Immunology 2016). Therapeutic strategies targeting this axis include probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to restore immune homeostasis (Suez et al., Nature Medicine 2019). This signaling network is critical for both local intestinal health and systemic immune tone, making it a significant area of interest for treating chronic inflammatory conditions.

Other names

Gut-immune axisMicrobiota-host immune crosstalkIntestinal innate immune signalingMicrobiome-cytokine signaling

Modulation of host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and metabolite-sensing receptors by microbial signals to regulate cytokine production and immune cell activity.