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Microbiota-Mediated Immune Regulation in Atherosclerosis
Sahar Eshghjoo1, Arul Jayaraman2, Yuxiang Sun3
1Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 6, 2021
Summary
Gut microbiota metabolites significantly influence atherosclerosis development. Certain metabolites, like those from tryptophan, modulate immunity, while others, such as TMAO and indoxyl sulfate, promote the disease by affecting inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Disease
Background:
- The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host health and disease, influencing chronic inflammatory conditions like atherosclerosis.
- Macrophages are central immune cells in atherosclerosis, with their pro-inflammatory state and lipid accumulation contributing to plaque formation.
- Understanding the functional impact of microbial metabolites on immune responses is vital for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of gut microbiota-derived metabolites in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
- To elucidate how specific metabolites influence innate immunity and inflammatory processes in response to atherogenic stimuli.
- To discuss the dual impact of beneficial and detrimental metabolites on atherosclerosis development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies investigating gut microbiota metabolites and their effects on atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of mechanisms by which metabolites interact with immune cells, particularly macrophages.
- Examination of the link between microbial metabolites, chronic inflammation, endotoxemia, and lipotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Tryptophan-derived metabolites act as aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands, exhibiting immunomodulatory properties.
- Microbiota-dependent trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) production is linked to promoting atherosclerosis.
- Indoxyl sulfate, another microbial metabolite, has been shown to exacerbate atherosclerotic progression.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota metabolites significantly impact atherosclerosis by modulating immune responses and inflammation.
- Specific metabolites can be either protective or detrimental, influencing the progression of atherosclerosis.
- Targeting microbial-derived metabolites offers potential therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis.
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