Xiaojing Cui,1,2 Yanguang Cong1,2 

1Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, 523710, People’s Republic of China; 2Dongguan Key Laboratory for Pathogenesis and Experimental Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, 523710, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Yanguang Cong, Email ygcong@hotmail.com

Abstract: The gut microbiota is crucial for maintaining the homeostasis and function of the immune system. It interacts with the host’s immune system through various mechanisms, including promoting immune tolerance, affecting the differentiation and function of immune cells, and participating in the metabolism of immune regulatory substances. The disruption of the gut microbiome may lead to impaired mucosal barrier function, allowing bacteria and their metabolites to invade into the host, activate or interfere with the immune system, and potentially trigger or exacerbate autoimmune responses. Understanding the relationship between the microbiome and autoimmune diseases may help develop new treatment strategies. This article reviewed the recent progresses of microbiome involved in the occurrence and development of some autoimmune diseases and the treatment methods based on regulation of the microbiome, highlighted the key role of microbiome in autoimmune diseases.

Keywords: gut microbiota, autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis