The gut microbiome and metabolome in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by demyelination, axonal damage, and progressive neurologic disability. The fact that there is only 30% concordance in MS risk, between monozygotic twins, suggests that environmental factor(s) plays a major role in disease development. The gut microbiota has emerged as a potential environmental factor, linked with a susceptibility to provide protection from MS. However, it is unclear how the gut microbiota inhibits aberrant activation of the immune system, to prevent CNS targeting and destruction. A better understanding of the influence of the gut microbiota and the associated metabolic pathways on the immune system may lead to the identification of potential therapeutic agents.