Gastrointestinal microbiome and host intestinal immune system

The gastrointestinal microbiome and host intestinal immune system represent a complex, bidirectional communication network essential for maintaining systemic homeostasis (Belkaid & Hand, 2014). The gut microbiota, comprising trillions of microorganisms, interacts with the host's innate and adaptive immune cells primarily through the production of metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the presentation of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) (Round & Mazmanian, 2009). This interaction is crucial for the maturation of the immune system and the regulation of inflammatory responses, particularly the balance between pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and anti-inflammatory regulatory T (Treg) cells (Thaiss et al., 2016). Dysregulation of this axis, known as dysbiosis, is linked to numerous pathologies, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), metabolic disorders, and systemic autoimmune conditions (NIH, 2023). Therapeutic strategies targeting this system include fecal microbiota transplants, probiotics, and engineered microbial consortia aimed at restoring a healthy microbial-immune balance (FDA, 2023). Understanding this axis is vital for developing precision medicine approaches that leverage the microbiome to modulate host immunity.

Other names

Gut-immune axisIntestinal microbiota-host immune crosstalkMicrobiome-immune system interactionGut microbiome-immune axis

Modulation of microbial composition to restore immune homeostasis and production of immunomodulatory metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).