Open AccessAutoimmune liver disease and the enteric microbiome
Author(s) -
Kerri Glassner,
Eamonn M.M. Quigley,
Lissa Franco,
David W. Victor
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
aims microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.565
H-Index - 6
ISSN - 2471-1888
DOI - 10.3934/microbiol.2018.2.334
Subject(s) - microbiome , immune system , immunology , disease , biology , primary sclerosing cholangitis , autoimmune hepatitis , autoimmune disease , liver disease , hepatitis , medicine , genetics , antibody , pathology , biochemistry
The human enteric microbiome is highly complex and has more than 150 times more genes within it than its host. The host and the microbiome have a commensurate relationship that can evolve over time. The typically symbiotic relationship between the two can become pathogenic. The microbiome composition in adults reflects their history of exposure to bacteria and environmental factors during early life, their genetic background, age, interactions with the immune system, geographical location, and, most especially, their diet. Similarly, these factors are thought to contribute to the development of autoimmune disease. It is possible that alterations in the intestinal microbiome could lead to liver disease. There is emerging data for the contribution of the microbiome in development of primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis; liver disorders associated with aberrant immune function in genetically susceptible individuals.