Immunity orchestrates a bridge in gut-brain axis of neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases, in particular for Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Multiple sclerosis (MS), are a category of diseases with progressive loss of neuronal structure or function (encompassing neuronal death) leading to neuronal dysfunction, whereas the underlying pathogenesis remains to be clarified. As the microbiological ecosystem of the intestinal microbiome serves as the second genome of the human body, it is strongly implicated as an essential element in the initiation and/or progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, the precise underlying principles of how the intestinal microflora impact on neurodegenerative diseases via gut-brain axis by modulating the immune function are still poorly characterized. Consequently, an overview of initiating the development of neurodegenerative diseases and the contribution of intestinal micro-flora on immune function is discussed in this review.

Automated summary

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Multiple sclerosis, involve progressive loss of neuronal structure or function. The intestinal microbiome, as the second genome of the human body, is strongly implicated in the development of these diseases. However, the specific mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences neurodegenerative diseases through the gut-brain axis and immune modulation are still not well understood.