THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA AND IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH

Abstract

The gut microbiota plays an essential role in modulating and regulating the immune system, profoundly influencing human health. This review addresses the complex interaction between the gut microbiota and the immune system, exploring how the gut microbial composition plays a crucial role in the education and development of immune responses. We discuss how the microbiota influences both innate and adaptive immunity, highlighting the mechanisms by which gut bacteria impact cytokine production, T and B cell differentiation, and regulatory immune cell regulation. Furthermore, we examine the role of the microbiota in maintaining the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune response, essential to prevent autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. We discuss how disturbances in the microbiota, such as dysbiosis, can trigger dysregulated immune responses, leading to chronic immune diseases. We also explore recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of interaction between the microbiota and the immune system, as well as the therapeutic potential of these discoveries. Understanding the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and immune system health offers new perspectives for the treatment of autoimmune, inflammatory, and immunologic diseases. The ability to modulate the microbiota to restore immune balance and develop personalized therapies represents an exciting area of research that could revolutionize medicine and improve patients' quality of life. This article highlights the importance of interdisciplinarity in biomedical research and sheds light on the crucial role of the microbiota in promoting immune health.