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Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Role of intestinal microbiota in the development of multiple sclerosis
F Castillo-Álvarez1, M E Marzo-Sola1
1Servicio de Neurología, Hospital San Pedro, Logroño, La Rioja, España.
Introduction:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease that affects young adults; in that age group, it represents the second leading cause of disability in our setting. Its precise aetiology has not been elucidated, but it is widely accepted to occur in genetically predisposed patients who are exposed to certain environmental factors. The discovery of the regulatory role played by intestinal microbiota in various autoimmune diseases has opened a new line of research in this field, which is discussed in this review.
Development:
We reviewed published studies on the role of the microbiota in the development of both MS and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In mice, it has been shown that intestinal microorganisms regulate the polarisation of T helper cells from Th1-Th17 up to Th2, the function of regulatory T cells, and the activity of B cells; they participate in the pathogenesis of EAE and contribute to its prevention and treatment. In contrast, evidence in humans is still scarce and mainly based on case-control studies that point to the presence of differences in certain bacterial communities.
Conclusions:
Multiple evidence points to the role of microbiota in EAE. Extrapolation of these results to MS is still in the early stages of research, and studies are needed to define which bacterial populations are associated with MS, the role they play in pathogenesis, and the therapeutic possibilities this knowledge offers us.
Insights
The gut microbiota influences autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS). Research in animal models shows its role in T cell regulation and disease pathogenesis, but human studies are still limited.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Microbiome Research
- Autoimmune Disease Pathogenesis
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant cause of disability in young adults, with an unclear etiology involving genetic and environmental factors.
- The intestinal microbiota's regulatory role in autoimmune diseases is an emerging area of research.
- Understanding the gut microbiome's connection to MS pathogenesis is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the intestinal microbiota's role in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).
- To explore how gut microorganisms influence immune responses relevant to MS pathogenesis.
- To highlight the current limitations and future directions in human microbiome research for MS.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published studies on the gut microbiota in MS and EAE.
- Analysis of research investigating the impact of intestinal microorganisms on T helper cell polarization, regulatory T cell function, and B cell activity.
- Evaluation of case-control studies examining bacterial community differences in human MS patients.
Main Results:
- In EAE models, gut microorganisms modulate T helper cell differentiation (Th1-Th17 to Th2), regulatory T cell function, and B cell activity.
- Intestinal microbiota plays a role in the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of EAE.
- Human studies show differences in specific bacterial communities in MS patients, but evidence remains scarce.
Conclusions:
- Substantial evidence supports the role of the gut microbiota in EAE.
- Extrapolating these findings to human MS requires further investigation.
- Future research should identify MS-associated bacterial populations, elucidate their pathogenic mechanisms, and explore potential therapeutic applications.
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