Microbiota modulation by teriflunomide therapy in people with multiple sclerosis: An observational case-control study

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Microbiome Research
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated neurological disorder.
• Gut microbiota alterations are increasingly recognized in people with MS (pwMS).
• Identifying specific microbial links to MS symptoms and treatment effects remains challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the gut microbiota composition and function in pwMS.
• To compare microbiota profiles across different treatment groups: teriflunomide (TF), beta interferons (IFNβ), naïve (no prior disease-modifying therapies), and healthy controls.
• To investigate the association between gut microbiota dysbiosis and MS-related symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of gut microbiota in pwMS and healthy controls.
• Assessment of microbiota in pwMS undergoing different disease-modifying therapies (TF, IFNβ, naïve).
• Correlation analysis between microbial features and clinical symptoms (fatigue, anxiety, depression).

Main Results:

• Significant alterations in gut microbiota composition and function were observed in pwMS compared to controls.
• Teriflunomide (TF) treatment notably impacted the gut microbiota profile in pwMS.
• Gut microbial dysbiosis was associated with increased fatigue, anxiety, and depression in pwMS.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiota is significantly altered in MS and influenced by disease-modifying therapies like teriflunomide.
• Teriflunomide exerts a distinct effect on the gut microbial environment.
• Microbiota dysbiosis in the gut is linked to key symptoms experienced by people with MS.