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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
05:27
An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions
Published on: June 30, 2021
Gut microbiota and the immune system: A regulatory axis through host MicroRNA modulation
Mahsa Khosrojerdi1, Farahzad Jabbari Azad1, Ali Haghbin2
1Department of Immunology and Allergy, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Summary
Gut microbes and host microRNAs (miRNAs) interact to regulate immunity. This review explores how bacteria influence immune responses via miRNAs and potential therapeutic strategies targeting this gut-immune axis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The human gut microbiome significantly impacts host physiology, especially immune function.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, influencing cellular processes.
- Emerging research highlights the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and host miRNAs in immune modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current knowledge on how gut bacteria influence host immunity through miRNA-dependent pathways.
- To explore the bidirectional communication between gut microbes and host miRNAs.
- To discuss therapeutic potential for manipulating the miRNA-microbe axis in diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current research findings.
- Analysis of mechanisms by which gut microbes regulate host miRNA expression.
- Examination of potential roles for bacteria-derived small RNAs in inter-kingdom communication.
Main Results:
- Gut microbes can alter miRNA expression in immune cells and the intestinal epithelium.
- Host miRNAs can reciprocally shape the composition and function of the gut microbiota.
- Specific miRNA-microbe signatures are associated with various diseases.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiota-miRNA axis is a critical regulator of host immunity.
- Targeting this axis offers potential therapeutic avenues for inflammatory, autoimmune, and infectious diseases.
- Further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical applications.
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