Abstract

T cells are central players in the regulation of adaptive immunity and immune tolerance. In the periphery, T cell differentiation for maturation and effector function is regulated by a number of factors. Various factors such as antigens, co-stimulation signals, and cytokines regulate T cell differentiation into functionally specialized effector and regulatory T cells. Other factors such as nutrients, micronutrients, nuclear hormones and microbial products provide important environmental cues for T cell differentiation. A mounting body of evidence indicates that the microbial metabolites short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have profound effects on T cells and directly and indirectly regulate their differentiation. We review the current status of our understanding of SCFA functions in regulation of peripheral T cell activity and discuss their impact on tissue inflammation.

Comments

This is the published PDF version of Kim, C.H., Park, J., and Kim, M. (2014). Gut Microbiota-Derived Short-Chain Fatty Acids, T Cells, and Inflammation. Immune Network, 14(6), 277-288. http://dx.doi.org/10.4110/in.2014.14.6.277.

CC-BY-NC-3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/.

Keywords

short-chain fatty acids, Th1, Th17, IL-10, FoxP3, microbiota, inflammation, colitis, microbial metabolites

Date of this Version

12-22-2014

DOI

10.4110/in.2014.14.6.277

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