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The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...
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The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such...
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The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
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Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
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The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
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Host adaptive immunity alters gut microbiota.

Husen Zhang1, Joshua B Sparks2, Saikumar V Karyala3

  • 1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.

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Adaptive immunity significantly shapes the gut microbiota in mice. Lack of adaptive immunity, seen in Rag1(-/-) mice, leads to distinct microbial communities and altered diversity with age.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The mammalian gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host immune system development and activation.
  • The reciprocal regulation, specifically how host immunity influences gut microbiota, is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of adaptive immunity on the distal gut microbial composition in mice.
  • To analyze the interaction between immunological status, age, and anatomical site on the gut microbiota.

Main Methods:

  • 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on gut microbiota from immunodeficient Rag1(-/-) mice and wild-type mice.
  • Samples were collected from the cecum, colon, colonic mucus, and feces before and after weaning.
  • Bone marrow transplantation was used to assess the role of adaptive immunity restoration.

Main Results:

  • Mouse gut microbiota was dominated by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobia.
  • Rag1(-/-) mice exhibited a distinct gut microbiota composition compared to wild-type mice.
  • Akkermansia muciniphila was significantly enriched in Rag1(-/-) mice, an effect reversed by bone marrow transplantation.
  • Microbial diversity increased with age, with Rag1(-/-) mice showing greater gains in richness and evenness.

Conclusions:

  • Adaptive immunity plays a pervasive role in regulating the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota.
  • The absence of adaptive immunity leads to significant alterations in the gut microbial community structure.
  • Age-related changes in microbial diversity are modulated by the host's adaptive immune status.