Intestinal microflora and host immune system

The intestinal microflora and host immune system represent a complex, bidirectional communication network often referred to as the gut microbiota-immune system axis (Belkaid & Hand, 2014, Science). This system is fundamental for the development and maturation of the host's innate and adaptive immune responses, where commensal bacteria provide essential signals for the differentiation of regulatory T cells and the production of antimicrobial peptides (Hooper et al., 2012, Science). Dysregulation of this interaction, known as dysbiosis, is a significant driver in the pathogenesis of various conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), metabolic disorders, and certain cancers (Round & Mazmanian, 2009, Nature Reviews Immunology). Therapeutic strategies targeting this axis include the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to restore microbial balance and dampen pathological inflammation (Khoruts & Sadowsky, 2016, Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology). Because this target encompasses an entire ecosystem and its host interactions rather than a single molecular entity, it is considered a systemic biological pathway rather than a traditional therapeutic target (Thaiss et al., 2016, Nature).

Other names

Gut microbiota-immune system axisIntestinal microbiome-host immunityGut-immune axisMicrobiota-immune crosstalk

Modulation of the gut microbial composition to influence host immune cell differentiation (e.g., Treg induction), production of immunomodulatory metabolites like SCFAs, and maintenance of the intestinal epithelial barrier (Belkaid & Hand, 2014, Science; Khoruts & Sadowsky, 2016, Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology).