Indirect modulation of gut microbiota and host immune pathways

Indirect modulation of gut microbiota and host immune pathways refers to a therapeutic strategy that targets the gut ecosystem to achieve systemic physiological effects, rather than binding to a single host protein. This approach utilizes agents like prebiotics, probiotics, or dietary modifications to shift the microbial population toward a more beneficial state (Belkaid & Hand, 2014, Science). These microbes produce bioactive metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which act as signaling molecules that interact with host receptors like GPR41, GPR43, and GPR109A (Koh et al., 2016, Cell). This interaction modulates the activity of various immune cells, including T-regulatory cells and macrophages, thereby influencing the host's inflammatory status. This pathway is critical in the pathogenesis of metabolic and autoimmune diseases and is increasingly recognized for its role in determining the efficacy of systemic treatments like cancer immunotherapy (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2018, Cancer Cell). Because it involves a complex network of interactions rather than a single molecular entity, it is classified as a therapeutic mechanism rather than a discrete molecular target.

Other names

Gut-immune axis modulationMicrobiota-host immune crosstalkIndirect microbiome modulation

Alteration of gut microbial composition and metabolic output (e.g., short-chain fatty acids) to indirectly influence host immune cell signaling and systemic inflammation.