Immunomodulatory roles of microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids in bacterial infections

In recent years, an overwhelming amount of evidence has positively recommended a significant role of micro-biota in human health and disease. Microbiota also plays a crucial role in the initiation, preparation, and function of the host immune response. Recently, it has been shown that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the primary metabolites of the intestinal microbiota produced by anaerobic fermentation, which contributes to the host-pathogen interaction. SCFAs, such as propionate, acetate, and butyrate, are bacterial metabolites with immu-nomodulatory activity, and they are indispensable for the maintenance of homeostasis. Some evidence indicates that they are involved in the development of infections. In the present study, we provide the latest findings on the role of SCFAs in response to bacterial infections.

Automated summary

Recent studies have shown the important role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in maintaining gut microbiota balance and regulating immune functions, especially in responding to bacterial infections.