Microbiome and Mucosal Immunity in the Intestinal Tract

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• The human bowel interacts with external agents, influencing digestive tract function.
• Commensal intestinal flora and the immune system regulate the balance between inflammation and immune tolerance.
• Disruptions in this system can lead to chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the complex interplay between commensal microorganisms, the intestinal microbiome, and the local immune system within the intestinal epithelium.
• To highlight the functions of the intestinal microbiome and the components of the local intestinal immune system.
• To emphasize the role of deregulated immune responses in IBD pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the immunological-microbial context of inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Analysis of the interactions between the intestinal microbiome, intestinal epithelium, and local immune cells (macrophages, antigen-presenting cells, natural killer cells).

Main Results:

• The intestinal microbiome protects against pathogens, maintains epithelial barrier function, aids nutrient absorption, and regulates immunity.
• The local intestinal immune system modulates the microbiome, influenced by epithelial cells and microbial signaling factors.
• Deregulated immune responses can lead to microbiome dysbiosis, contributing to IBD.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the immunological-microbial context is crucial for diagnosing and treating IBD.
• A holistic approach involving comprehensive assessment of a patient's immune and microbiome status is recommended for diagnosis and therapy.
• This integrated approach may offer a promising strategy for managing inflammatory bowel diseases.