Immune system and gut microbiota

The interaction between the immune system and gut microbiota, often referred to as the gut-immune axis, is a fundamental symbiotic relationship that regulates host health and disease (Round & Mazmanian, 2009, Nature Reviews Immunology). The gut microbiota provides essential signals for the maturation of the mucosal and systemic immune systems, primarily through the production of metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the presentation of microbial antigens (Belkaid & Hand, 2014, Science). These interactions promote the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and maintain intestinal barrier integrity, preventing inappropriate inflammatory responses. Dysregulation of this axis, known as dysbiosis, is strongly associated with the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), allergies, and autoimmune conditions. Furthermore, the gut microbiota has been shown to significantly influence the efficacy of systemic therapies, including cancer immunotherapies like PD-1 inhibitors (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2018, Science). Although not a single molecular target, the gut-immune axis is an area of intense therapeutic research involving the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation to restore immune homeostasis.

Other names

Gut-immune axisMicrobiota-immune system crosstalkIntestinal microbiome-immune system interaction

Modulation of microbial diversity and metabolite production (e.g., short-chain fatty acids) to influence immune cell differentiation and cytokine profiles.