Host-microbiome relationship in depression: can human induced pluripotent stem cells play a role in unravelling mechanisms?

Abstract

Depression is highly prevalent, with many patients not responding to existing treatments. The gut microbiota plays a key role in its pathophysiology, offering new therapeutic avenues. Human-based research is essential to uncover mechanisms and validate new targets. Given CNS inaccessibility, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer an innovative model. This review explores the emerging field of hiPSCs and their potential in advancing microbiota-gut-brain axis science and depression research.