Exploring putative links between gut microbiota and allergic rhinitis: insights from Mendelian randomization and...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Genetics
• Microbiology

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent immune disorder with unclear links to gut microbiota (GM).
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms connecting GM and AR is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between GM and AR using Mendelian randomization (MR).
• To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying this connection through transcriptomic analyses.

Main Methods:

• Mendelian randomization (MR) to identify causal microbial taxa and associated genes.
• Bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to analyze gene expression and cell types.
• Bioinformatic analyses including immune infiltration and pathway enrichment.

Main Results:

• MR identified 29 GM taxa causally linked to AR, with specific examples of protective and risk factors.
• INPP5D and KIF16B were identified as key genes connecting GM and AR, enriched in pathways like systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Single-cell analysis highlighted Th1 cells as critical, showing stable INPP5D and KIF16B expression during their differentiation.

Conclusions:

• Establishes a causal link between gut microbiota composition and allergic rhinitis.
• Identifies INPP5D, KIF16B, and Th1 cells as key players in AR pathogenesis.
• Provides novel molecular insights for potential therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota-immune axis in AR.