Microbiome and Behçet's disease: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with complex etiology.
• The role of the microbiome in BD pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.

Approach:

• A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane Library.
• Sixteen articles were qualitatively synthesized to analyze the gut and oral microbiota in BD patients.
• Animal models were used to investigate the functional impact of microbiome alterations in BD.

Key Points:

• Gut dysbiosis in BD is marked by decreased butyrate-producing bacteria, altered tryptophan metabolism, and reduced anti-inflammatory bacteria.
• Oral microbiota, specifically Streptococcus sanguinis, may play a role via molecular mimicry and NETosis.
• Fecal microbiota transplantation from BD patients exacerbated autoimmune conditions in mice, while butyrate supplementation ameliorated symptoms.

Conclusions:

• The microbiome significantly influences immune regulation and epigenetic modifications in Behçet's disease.
• Targeting the microbiome, particularly with butyrate-producing bacteria, represents a potential therapeutic strategy for BD.
• Further research into the intricate interplay between the microbiome and immunity in BD is warranted.