Gut Microbiota-Derived Short-Chain Fatty Acids, T Cells, and Inflammation

T cells are central players in the regulation of adaptive immunity and immune tolerance. In the periphery, T cell differentiation for maturation and effector function is regulated by a number of factors. Various factors such as antigens, co-stimulation signals, and cytokines regulate T cell differentiation into functionally specialized effector and regulatory T cells. Other factors such as nutrients, micronutrients, nuclear hormones and microbial products provide important environmental cues for T cell differentiation. A mounting body of evidence indicates that the microbial metabolites short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have profound effects on T cells and directly and indirectly regulate their differentiation.…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Agriculture
• NM
  National Multiple Sclerosis Society

  Awards: R01AI074745, 1R01AI080769, R01DK076616, 1S10RR028293
• MS
  Multiple Sclerosis Society
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: R01DK076616, R01AI074745, 1R01AI080769, 1S10RR028293, R21AI105620
• NI
  National Institute of Food and Agriculture