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The gut microbiome and microbial translocation in multiple sclerosis

Ali Mirza1, Yang Mao-Draayer2

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 4258 Alfred Taubman Biomedical Sciences Research Bldg. 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 4258 Alfred Taubman Biomedical Sciences Research Bldg. 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, United States.

Clinical Immunology (Orlando, Fla.)
|March 14, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients exhibit altered gut microbiota and bacterial translocation, impacting immune responses and potentially contributing to MS development. Microbiota-targeted therapies offer a promising avenue for MS treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Microbiome Research
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) possess a unique intestinal microbial community (microbiota).
  • MS patients show increased low-grade translocation of gut bacteria into circulation.
  • Gut bacteria composition and translocation influence immune functions critical to MS pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the implications of MS intestinal microbiota on systemic and central nervous system (CNS) immunopathology.
  • To explore the potential role of low-grade microbial translocation (LG-MT) in MS development.
  • To discuss the potential of microbiota-based therapies for managing MS.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on the interplay between gut microbiota, microbial translocation, and MS.
  • Analysis of immune regulatory functions affected by gut bacteria in MS.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome in MS.

Main Results:

  • Distinct gut microbiota composition in MS patients is linked to altered immune regulation.
  • Low-grade microbial translocation may contribute to systemic and CNS immune dysregulation in MS.
  • Changes in microbiota affect peripheral regulatory T cell function, blood-brain barrier permeability, and CNS-resident cell activity.

Conclusions:

  • The gut microbiota and microbial translocation are significant factors in MS immunopathology.
  • Understanding these gut-related mechanisms opens avenues for novel therapeutic interventions.
  • Microbiota-targeted therapies hold promise for future MS management strategies.
Keywords:
CNSGut-brain axisIntestinal permeabilityMicrobial translocationMicrobiomeMultiple sclerosis

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