The Central Role of the Gut Microbiota in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

Author(s)

Ferreira, Caroline Marcantonio ; Vieira, Angelica Thomaz ; Ramirez Vinolo, Marco Aurelio ; Oliveira, Fernando A. ; Curi, Rui ; Martins, Flaviano dos Santos

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH; v. 2014, p. 12-pg., 2014-01-01.

Abstract

The commensal microbiota is in constant interaction with the immune system, teaching immune cells to respond to antigens. Studies in mice have demonstrated that manipulation of the intestinal microbiota alters host immune cell homeostasis. Additionally, metagenomic-sequencing analysis has revealed alterations in intestinal microbiota in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and obesity. Perturbations in the microbiota composition result in a deficient immune response and impaired tolerance to commensal microorganisms. Due to altered microbiota composition which is associated to some inflammatory diseases, several strategies, such as the administration of probiotics, diet, and antibiotic usage, have been utilized to prevent or ameliorate chronic inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this review is to present and discuss recent evidence showing that the gut microbiota controls immune system function and onset, development, and resolution of some common inflammatory diseases. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/50410-8 - Effects of short-chain fatty acids produced by probiotic bacteria in the prophylaxis and treatment of allergic airway inflammation
• Grantee: Caroline Marcantonio Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 12/10653-9 - Role of short chain fatty acids and their receptor (GPR43) in the immune response to anaerobic bacteria in vivo and in vitro
• Grantee: Marco Aurélio Ramirez Vinolo
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 12/50336-2 - Interaction among hypometabolism, calcium dynamics and neuronal excitability: implications in the degenerative process of Alzheimer's Disease
• Grantee: Fernando Augusto de Oliveira Ribeiro
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants