Gut–brain neuroimmune axis

The gut–brain neuroimmune axis is a complex, bidirectional communication network that integrates the central nervous system (CNS), the enteric nervous system (ENS), the immune system, and the gut microbiota [1]. This axis facilitates the exchange of signals through various pathways, including the vagus nerve, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and the production of microbial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids [2]. It plays a critical role in maintaining physiological homeostasis, regulating intestinal barrier integrity, and modulating neuroinflammation [3]. Dysregulation of the gut–brain neuroimmune axis has been linked to the pathogenesis of diverse conditions, including Parkinson's disease, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, and multiple sclerosis [1][4]. While not a single molecular target, the axis represents a therapeutic framework where interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, and vagus nerve stimulation are used to influence systemic and central health [2]. Understanding the interplay between gut-derived immune cells and brain-resident microglia is essential for developing novel treatments for neuroinflammatory disorders [3].

Other names

Microbiota-gut-brain axisGut-brain-immune axisNeuro-immune-endocrine axisEnteric-CNS-immune network

Modulation of bidirectional signaling between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system via neural (vagus nerve), endocrine (HPA axis), and immunological (cytokines) pathways [1][4].