Gut microbiome and aging—A dynamic interplay of microbes, metabolites, and the immune system

Mar 10, 2026FEBS letters

How gut microbes, their products, and the immune system interact as we age

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Abstract

Aging is associated with profound changes in the gut microbiome and immune system.

  • Reductions in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producers and shifts in certain microbial species may incite and worsen inflammation.
  • Alterations in the gut microbiome can damage barrier integrity and accelerate immunosenescence.
  • Immune aging and reduced mucosal IgA are linked to microbial dysbiosis, creating a cycle that fuels chronic inflammation.
  • Microbial metabolites like SCFAs and bile acids could influence regulatory T-cell balance and epithelial repair.
  • Diet, probiotics, and microbiome transplantations are suggested to potentially restore beneficial microbial and immune functions.

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