Effect of gut flora mediated-bile acid metabolism on intestinal immune microenvironment

Immunology. 2023 Nov;170(3):301-318. doi: 10.1111/imm.13672. Epub 2023 Jun 15.

Abstract

According to reports, gut microbiota and metabolites regulate the intestinal immune microenvironment. In recent years, an increasing number of studies reported that bile acids (BAs) of intestinal flora origin affect T helper cells and regulatory T cells (Treg cells). Th17 cells play a pro-inflammatory role and Treg cells usually act in an immunosuppressive role. In this review, we emphatically summarised the influence and corresponding mechanism of different configurations of lithocholic acid (LCA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA) on intestinal Th17 cells, Treg cells and intestinal immune microenvironment. The regulation of BAs receptors G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1/TGR5) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) on immune cells and intestinal environment are elaborated. Furthermore, the potential clinical applications above were also concluded in three aspects. The above will help researchers better understand the effects of gut flora on the intestinal immune microenvironment via BAs and contribute to the development of new targeted drugs.

Keywords: Farnesoid X receptor (FXR); G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1/TGR5); Th17 cells; Treg cells; metabolism.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bile Acids and Salts
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Intestines
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Bile Acids and Salts