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Updated: Mar 16, 2026
Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination
Published on: September 12, 2016
The influence of gut-derived CD39 regulatory T cells in CNS demyelinating disease
Javier Ochoa-Repáraz1, Lloyd H Kasper2
1Department of Biology, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, Wash.
Abstract:
There is considerable interest in trying to understand the importance of the gut microbiome in human diseases. The association between dysbiosis, an altered microbial composition, as related to human disease is being explored in the context of different autoimmune conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent studies suggest that MS affects the composition of the gut microbiota by altering the relative abundances of specific bacteria and archaea species. Remarkably, some of the bacterial species shown reduced in the gut of MS patients are known to promote immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs). In MS, the function of a phenotype of Tregs that express CD39, an ectoenzyme involved in the catabolism of adenosine triphosphate as immunomodulatory cells, appears to be reduced. In this review, we discuss the involvement of the gut microbiota in the regulation of experimental models of central nervous system inflammatory demyelination and review the evidence that link the gut microbiome with MS. Further, we hypothesize that the gut microbiome is an essential organ for the control of tolerance in MS patients and a potential source for safer novel therapeutics.
Insights
The gut microbiome influences multiple sclerosis (MS) by altering microbial composition. Restoring beneficial bacteria may offer new therapeutic strategies for MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The gut microbiome's role in human diseases, particularly autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), is under investigation.
- Dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut microbial composition, is increasingly linked to MS pathogenesis.
- Specific gut bacteria that promote immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) appear reduced in MS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the gut microbiome's involvement in experimental models of central nervous system inflammatory demyelination.
- To synthesize evidence connecting the gut microbiome to multiple sclerosis.
- To propose the gut microbiome as a key regulator of tolerance in MS and a source for novel therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on gut microbiota and central nervous system inflammation.
- Analysis of research linking gut microbial composition to multiple sclerosis.
- Exploration of the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD39 expression in MS.
Main Results:
- MS alters gut microbiota composition, reducing bacteria that support immunosuppressive Tregs.
- The function of CD39+ Tregs, important for immunomodulation, seems impaired in MS.
- Evidence suggests a significant link between gut microbial dysbiosis and MS development.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiome is hypothesized to be crucial for maintaining tolerance in multiple sclerosis.
- Alterations in the gut microbiome may contribute to MS pathology.
- Targeting the gut microbiome presents a promising avenue for developing safer MS therapeutics.
