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Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Linking the Microbiota, Chronic Disease, and the Immune System
Timothy W Hand1, Ivan Vujkovic-Cvijin2, Vanessa K Ridaura2
1Richard King Mellon Institute for Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.
Chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs) are a growing global health threat. Research suggests that changes in the gut microbiota may drive CIDs by impacting the immune system and causing inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs) are a leading cause of global mortality.
- Immune system dysregulation is central to CID development.
- Environmental factors and cellular mechanisms underlying CIDs remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on the role of microbiota shifts in chronic inflammation.
- To explore how microbiota alterations influence host immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on microbiota and chronic inflammatory diseases.
- Analysis of studies investigating microbiota-derived metabolites and immune modulation.
Main Results:
- Significant alterations in the microbiota are observed in many CIDs.
- Microbiota shifts can promote local and systemic inflammation.
- Changes in microbiota metabolites may contribute to disease pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Microbiota composition and function are critical factors in chronic inflammation.
- Targeting the microbiota presents a potential therapeutic strategy for CIDs.
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