Microbiome-mediated immune modulation

Microbiome-mediated immune modulation refers to the collective influence of the commensal microbiota on the development, function, and regulation of the host immune system. Microbial organisms in the gut and other barrier sites interact with immune cells through their metabolites, conserved structural components, and signaling pathways, shaping both innate and adaptive immune responses. This interaction helps maintain tolerance to harmless antigens, fine-tune barrier immunity, and calibrate responses to pathogens. Disruption of microbiome composition has been associated with increased risk of autoimmune, inflammatory, infectious, and even cancer-related diseases.

Other names

Microbiota-immune interactionGut microbiota immune modulationMicrobiome-immune crosstalk

Modulation of cytokine production (e.g., IL-22, IL-1β); Induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs); Production of microbial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, SCFAs) that affect immune cells; Interaction with host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptors (TLR5, TLR9) and Nod-like receptors