Regulatory T cell-microbiota axis

The **Regulatory T cell-microbiota axis** refers to the intricate and bidirectional relationship between regulatory T cells (FOXP3+ CD4+ T cells) and the gut microbiota. The microbiota influences the differentiation, expansion, and suppressive function of Tregs via microbial metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, polysaccharide A) and structural components acting on specific signaling pathways (e.g., TGF-beta, retinoic acid). Tregs, in turn, maintain immune tolerance to commensal microbes, prevent excessive inflammation, and support host-microbe mutualism. Dysregulation of this axis can result in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including IBD, and potentially influences extraintestinal diseases such as neurological disorders. Although the axis is therapeutically relevant and an active area of research, it cannot be classed as a single molecular target for drug development, but rather as a system or interface influencing multiple molecular and cellular targets.

Other names

Treg-microbiota axisMicrobiota-Treg axisRegulatory T cell/gut microbiota axisGut microbiota-immune axis

Modulation of immune responses via: - Microbiota-derived metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, polysaccharide A) promoting Treg differentiation and suppressive function - Epigenetic regulation of Foxp3 and IL-10 expression in T cells - Receptor-mediated signaling (SCFA receptors, TGF-beta receptors)