Microbiome and autoimmune diseases: cause and effect relationship

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• The human body harbors trillions of prokaryotic microorganisms on skin and mucosal surfaces.
• A complex and fragile balance exists between human cells and these microbes, mediated by the immune system.
• The immune system must prevent pathogenic microbe overgrowth while tolerating beneficial ones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the intricate relationship between the human microbiota and the immune system.
• To explore the association between disruptions in microbiota-human symbiosis and autoimmune disease development.
• To highlight potential novel therapeutic strategies emerging from this research.

Main Methods:

• Review of human studies identifying gut dysbiosis patterns in autoimmune disease patients.
• Analysis of animal model studies involving pathogenic bacteria inoculation.
• Examination of current research on novel therapeutic molecules derived from helminth compounds.

Main Results:

• Gut dysbiosis patterns have been identified in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
• Experimental inoculation of pathogenic bacteria in animal models has been linked to autoimmune disease development.
• Emerging research on helminth-derived compounds shows promising therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

• Understanding microbiota-human interactions is key to developing new treatments for autoimmune diseases.
• Therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiota may offer novel avenues for managing autoimmune conditions.
• Helminth-derived compounds represent a promising area for future therapeutic development.