Gut Microbiota Influence in Autoimmune Diseases

The human gut microbiota comprises trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi that establish a symbiotic relationship with the host. In healthy individuals, this community maintains intestinal barrier integrity, educates the mucosal immune system and generates metabolites that modulate systemic immunity. Perturbations in microbial composition, or dysbiosis, have been implicated in the initiation and exacerbation of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and Sjögren’s syndrome. Mechanistically, loss of barrier function can permit translocation of microbial products, triggering innate immune sensors and promoting pro-inflammatory T helper 17 (Th17) responses. Conversely, beneficial taxa can induce regulatory T cells (Treg), produce short-chain fatty acids and reprogramme inflammatory pathways. Recent insights extend to the gut virome, where viral communities interact with bacterial populations and shape interferon signatures. Understanding these microbial–host interactions offers routes to novel biomarkers, diet-based interventions, targeted probiotics and microbiota-derived small molecules that may rebalance tolerance and prevent organ damage in autoimmune disorders worldwide.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Analyses of intestinal samples from systemic lupus erythematosus patients have revealed that dysbiotic communities drive enhanced Th17 differentiation and skew the balance between Th17, Th1 and Treg populations. In vitro co-cultures demonstrate that patient-derived microbiota induce excessive lymphocyte activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Supplementation with Treg-inducing bacterial strains, including select Clostridia and Bifidobacterium species, restored the Th17/Treg equilibrium and reduced markers of autoimmunity. These findings provide proof-of-concept that targeted modulation of specific bacterial consortia can recalibrate immune tolerance in lupus and potentially other autoimmune diseases.

Gut Microbiota Influence in Autoimmune Diseases publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in gut microbiota influence in autoimmune diseases across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Gut microbiota: The ensemble of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract that influences digestion, immunity and metabolism.

Dysbiosis: A state of altered microbial composition or function associated with disease processes.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): Metabolites such as acetate, propionate and butyrate produced by bacterial fermentation of dietary fibres that regulate immune and epithelial cell functions.

Th17 cells: A pro-inflammatory subset of CD4+ T helper cells characterised by interleukin-17 production and implicated in tissue inflammation.

Treg cells: Regulatory T lymphocytes that secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines and maintain immune tolerance.

Virome: The community of viruses, including bacteriophages, inhabiting the gut and interacting with bacterial populations and the host immune system.

References

1. Leaky Gut As a Danger Signal for Autoimmune Diseases. Frontiers in Immunology (2017).
2. Crosstalk Between Gut Microbiota and Innate Immunity and Its Implication in Autoimmune Diseases. Frontiers in Immunology (2020).
3. Th17 responses and natural IgM antibodies are related to gut microbiota composition in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Scientific Reports (2016).
4. Disturbed gut virome with potent interferonogenic property in systemic lupus erythematosus. Science Bulletin (2023).
5. Targeting the gut microbiota with dietary fibers: a novel approach to prevent the development cardiovascular complications linked to systemic lupus erythematosus in a preclinical study. Gut Microbes (2023).
6. Lactobacillus acidophilus and propionate attenuate Sjögren’s syndrome by modulating the STIM1-STING signaling pathway. Cell Communication and Signaling (2023).