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Rapid intestinal and systemic metabolic reprogramming in an immunosuppressed environment
Bing Ma1,2, Samuel J Gavzy3,4, Michael France5,6
1Institute of Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA. BMa@som.umaryland.edu.
BMC Microbiology
|December 8, 2023
Summary
The immunosuppressant tacrolimus rapidly alters gut metabolism and microbial activity, even before changes in gut microbiota composition. These early metabolic shifts may predict immune responses in transplantation and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunometabolism
- Microbiome Research
- Transplant Immunology
Background:
- Host metabolism significantly influences immune responses, impacting areas like organ transplantation and cancer.
- The metabolic activities within an immunosuppressive environment remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the early effects of immunosuppressants on gut metabolism and microbial communities.
- To identify potential biomarkers for immune activation or quiescence in immunosuppressed states.
Main Methods:
- Utilized metagenomic, metabolomic, and immunological approaches in a murine model.
- Analyzed the effects of tacrolimus and antibiotics on gut lumen and circulation.
Main Results:
- Tacrolimus induced rapid metabolic alterations within two days, preceding changes in gut microbiota structure.
- Significant correlations were observed between gut lumen and serum metabolic profiles.
- Key affected pathways included amino acid metabolism, bile acid conjugation, and glucose homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- Early metabolic changes driven by immunosuppressants have implications for immune status.
- Understanding microbiome-metabolism-immune cell interactions is crucial for optimizing transplant outcomes.
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