Lupus: Open Access
Open Access

The Role of Microbiota in Lupus Pathogenesis and Immune System Dysregulation

Isabella Knight^{* *}Correspondence: Isabella Knight, Department of Dermatology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland, Email:

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Description

Lupus, formally known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by a myriad of symptoms ranging from skin rashes to kidney failure. While the exact cause of lupus remains elusive, researchers have long suspected a complex exchange between genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and dysregulated immune responses. In recent years, growing evidence suggests that the microbiota, the diverse community of microorganisms residing within our bodies, might play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of lupus and the dysregulation of the immune system. Lupus is characterized by the production of autoantibodies that target the body's own tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. This dysregulated immune response results from a breakdown in immune tolerance, where the immune system fails to recognize self from non-self. While genetic factors are known to predispose individuals to lupus, they do not fully account for disease susceptibility. This has led researchers to explore environmental factors, including the microbiota, as potential contributors to lupus pathogenesis.

The human microbiota, consisting of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms, colonizes various niches in the body, such as the gut, skin, and mucosal surfaces. These microbes play a crucial role in maintaining host homeostasis, including the development and regulation of the immune system. Perturbations in the composition and function of the microbiota, known as dysbiosis, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous autoimmune diseases, including lupus. Several studies have reported alterations in the gut microbiota of lupus patients compared to healthy individuals. These alterations include changes in microbial diversity, composition, and metabolic function. Importantly, dysbiosis in lupus patients has been associated with increased disease activity and severity. Moreover, specific bacterial species, such as Lactobacillus and Bacteroides, have been found to modulate immune responses and influence lupus pathogenesis through mechanisms involving molecular mimicry and immune activation.

The microbiota exerts its influence on the host immune system not only through direct interactions but also via the production of metabolites. Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), produced by certain gut bacteria through the fermentation of dietary fibers, have garnered particular attention for their immunomodulatory properties. SCFAs can regulate the function of immune cells, such as T Regulatory Cells (Tregs) and macrophages, thereby influencing immune tolerance and inflammation. Dysbiosisassociated reductions in SCFA production may contribute to immune dysregulation in lupus. Beyond the gut, emerging evidence suggests that the skin microbiota may also play a role in lupus pathogenesis.

Alterations in the composition of the skin microbiota have been observed in lupus patients, with potential implications for cutaneous manifestations of the disease. Furthermore, interactions between the skin microbiota and the host immune system may contribute to the development of autoimmunity in susceptible individuals. The growing recognition of the microbiota's role in lupus pathogenesis holds promise for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Approaches aimed at modulating the microbiota, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, have shown potential in preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials.

Additionally, targeted interventions that restore microbial homeostasis and promote immune tolerance may offer new avenues for the treatment of lupus and other autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the microbiota represents a dynamic and interconnected ecosystem that profoundly influences host physiology, including immune function. Dysbiosis in lupus patients has been implicated in immune system dysregulation and disease pathogenesis. Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interactions between the microbiota and the immune system in lupus and to translate these findings into clinically meaningful interventions. By resolving the intricacies of microbiota-host interactions, we may uncover new therapeutic targets and improve outcomes for individuals living with lupus and other autoimmune conditions.