The aryl hydrocarbon receptor and the gut-brain axis

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor initially identified as the receptor for dioxin. Almost half a century after its discovery, AHR is now recognized as a receptor for multiple physiological ligands, with important roles in health and disease. In this review, we discuss the role of AHR in the gut-brain axis and its potential value as a therapeutic target for immune-mediated diseases.

Automated summary

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) was originally identified as the receptor for dioxin and is now known to be a receptor for multiple physiological ligands, playing crucial roles in health and disease. AHR has been found to play a role in the gut-brain axis and could hold potential as a therapeutic target for immune-mediated diseases.