The role of gut microbiota and diet in experimental autoimmune encephalitis and multiple sclerosis. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Okuno, Tatsusada; Nakatsuji, Yuji; Kinoshita, Makoto; Takata, Kazushiro; Koda, Toru; Yamashita, Kazuya; Nanba, Akiko; Mochizuki, Hideki
• Is Part Of: Clinical & experimental neuroimmunology. Volume 6(2015)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 30
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: diet -- experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis -- gut microbiota -- multiple sclerosis -- regulatory T cell -- Th17; 616.80479
• DOI: 10.1111/cen3.12270
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-1961

Abstract

Abstract: The prevalence of multiple sclerosis has been increasing over the last few decades, especially in certain areas such as the Mediterranean regions and Japan. This increase may be attributed to a modified microbiota in accordance with the changes in food habits, although the precise cause remains unknown. To investigate the association between the microbiota and central nervous system inflammation, mice under germ‐free conditions and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) has been widely used. For example, Th17 cells are induced by intestinal segmented filamentous bacteria and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including EAE. Certain groups of commensal bacteria and their metabolites, including short‐chain fatty acids, play significant roles in the induction of regulatory T cells in the intestine, which suppress autoimmune reaction. In this review, we introduce the current advances in this field, including our data on Pediococcus acidilactici and Candida kefyr in EAE, and discuss the potential of probiotics in terms of prophylactic or therapeutic treatment options for multiple sclerosis.