Gut Microbiota Immune Modulation

Overview

The human gastrointestinal tract is home to a complex microbial community that interacts closely with the mucosal immune system. Gut microbiota plays a significant role in maintaining host health, including supplying nutrients, regulating energy balance, modulating immune response, and defending against pathogens. Maintaining a favourable equilibrium of gut microbiota through modulating bacteria composition, diversity, and activity is beneficial to host health.

Role of Probiotics, Pre-biotics, and Post-biotics

Probiotics and pre-biotics can directly and indirectly regulate microbiota and immune response. Post-biotics, such as bioactive metabolites produced by gut microbiota, and/or cell-wall components released by probiotics, have also been shown to inhibit pathogen growth, maintain microbiota balance, and regulate immune response.

Microbiome Science

Microbiome science is a critical and expanding field that explores the complex interplay between the host, its microbial inhabitants, and the resulting impact on health and disease. It involves the study of microbial interactions, immune system modulation by microbes, and the influence of the body's microbial inhabitants on health and disease.

Immunosenescence

Immunosenescence is the progressive deterioration of the immune system associated with ageing. This process reduces the body's immune response and ability to develop immunity, increasing susceptibility to diseases. Researchers are investigating interventions to target senescent cells and slow ageing, such as senolytics, epigenetic reprogramming, and immune-mediated clearance.

Conclusion

Gut microbiota immune modulation is a complex and multifaceted process that involves the interplay between various factors, including probiotics, pre-biotics, post-biotics, and immunosenescence. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing interventions to enhance immunological function and promote healthy ageing.