Microbiota-antibody interactions that regulate gut homeostasis

• Published in: Cell host & microbe Vol. 29; no. 3; pp. 334 - 346
• Main Authors: Weis, Allison M., Round, June L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 10.03.2021
• Subjects: Animals; Bacteria - metabolism; Colorectal Neoplasms - immunology; Colorectal Neoplasms - microbiology; Gastrointestinal Microbiome - genetics; Gastrointestinal Microbiome - immunology; Gastrointestinal Microbiome - physiology; Gene Expression; Homeostasis; Host Microbial Interactions - genetics; Host Microbial Interactions - immunology; Host Microbial Interactions - physiology; Humans; IgA; Immunoglobulin A - immunology; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases - immunology; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases - microbiology; Intestinal Mucosa - immunology; intestine; Intestines - microbiology; Metabolic Diseases - microbiology; Microbial Interactions - immunology; Microbial Interactions - physiology; microbiota; Species Specificity; Symbiosis; microbiota; IgA; intestine
• ISSN: 1931-3128; 1934-6069; 1934-6069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2021.02.009

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the most abundant antibody at mucosal surfaces and has been the subject of many investigations involving microbiota research in the last decade. Although the classic functions of IgA include neutralization of harmful toxins, more recent investigations have highlighted an important role for IgA in regulating the composition and function of the commensal microbiota. Multiple reviews have comprehensively covered the literature that describes recent, novel mechanisms of action of IgA and development of the IgA response within the intestine. Here we focus on how the interaction between IgA and the microbiota promotes homeostasis with the host to prevent disease. Immunoglobulin A (IgA), the most abundant antibody at mucosal surfaces, plays important roles in regulating the composition and function of the gut microbiota. Weis and Round review these interactions between gut commensals and IgA and how this dynamic can influence homeostasis and potentially be leveraged to improve host health.