Gut microbiota-intestinal epithelial barrier-host immune system axis (Gut-Immune Axis)

The gut microbiota-intestinal epithelial barrier-host immune system axis is a complex, multi-component biological system essential for maintaining systemic homeostasis and local intestinal health (PMID: 31387262). It involves a continuous cross-talk between the diverse microbial community (microbiota), the physical and biochemical barrier of the intestinal epithelium, and the specialized mucosal immune system (Source: Nature Reviews Immunology). The microbiota produces metabolites like short-chain fatty acids that nourish epithelial cells and induce regulatory T cells, while the epithelial barrier prevents the translocation of harmful pathogens and antigens into the systemic circulation (Source: NIH). Dysregulation of this axis, often termed dysbiosis or "leaky gut," is a central feature in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases, metabolic syndromes, and various autoimmune conditions (Source: StatPearls). Therapeutic interventions targeting this axis range from microbial replacements and dietary modifications to biologics that modulate gut-specific immune cell trafficking and inflammatory signaling (Source: PubMed).

Other names

Gut-microbiota-immune axisIntestinal barrier-immune system interactionGut-microbiome-immune systemMicrobiota-gut-immune axis

Modulation of microbial composition, enhancement of epithelial tight junction integrity, and regulation of mucosal immune cell activity and cytokine production.