The Central Role of the Gut Microbiota in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

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 a...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Caroline Marcantonio Ferreira, Angélica Thomaz Vieira, Marco Aurelio Ramirez Vinolo, Fernando A. Oliveira, Rui Curi, Flaviano dos Santos Martins
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2014-01-01
Series:Journal of Immunology Research
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/689492
Description
Summary: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.
ISSN:2314-8861
2314-7156