Dysbiosis and the immune system

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Multifactorial diseases like inflammatory, autoimmune, metabolic, neoplastic, and neurodegenerative conditions are increasingly linked to intestinal dysbiosis.
• Intestinal dysbiosis refers to alterations in the gut microbiome's composition and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To categorize dysbiosis conceptually.
• To review immunological associations, causes, and consequences of bacterial dysbiosis.
• To explore dysbiosis's role in the molecular etiology of common diseases and its therapeutic implications.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual categorization of dysbiosis.
• Overview of immunological associations.
• Review of causes, consequences, and molecular etiology.
• Exploration of therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• Dysbiosis is associated with a wide range of multifactorial diseases.
• Mechanisms underlying dysbiosis generation and persistence require further elucidation.
• Distinguishing causal host-microbiome interactions from secondary microbial changes is crucial.

Conclusions:

• A molecular understanding of dysbiosis origins, regulation, and effects is essential.
• This knowledge can guide the rational design of microbiome-targeting therapies.
• Targeting the microbiome holds promise for treating immune-mediated diseases.