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REVIEW article

Front. Immunol.
Sec. Nutritional Immunology
Volume 16 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1529958

The Gut Microbiome, Immune Modulation, and Cognitive Decline: Insights on the Gut-Brain Axis

Provisionally accepted
Zhang Ruyi Zhang Ruyi 1,2Ning Ding Ning Ding 2Xicui Feng Xicui Feng 1*Wenli Liao Wenli Liao 2*
  • 1 Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
  • 2 Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    The gut microbiome has emerged as a pivotal area of research due to its significant influence on the immune system and cognitive functions. Cognitive disorders, including dementia and Parkinson's disease, represent substantial global health challenges. This review explores the relationship between gut microbiota, immune modulation, and cognitive decline, with a particular focus on the gut-brain axis. Research indicates that gut bacteria produce metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which affect mucosal immunity, antigen presentation, and immune responses, thereby influencing cognitive functions. A noteworthy correlation has been identified between imbalances in the gut microbiome and cognitive impairments, suggesting novel pathways for the treatment of cognitive disorders. Additionally, factors such as diet, environment, and pharmaceuticals play a role in shaping the composition of the gut microbiome, subsequently impacting both immune and cognitive health. This article aims to clarify the complex interactions among gut microbiota, immune regulation, and cognitive disorders, evaluating their potential as therapeutic targets. The goal is to promote microbiome-based treatments and lay the groundwork for future research in this field.

    Keywords: Gut Microbiota, Immune Modulation, cognitive dysfunction, gut-brain axis, shortchain fatty acids

    Received: 20 Nov 2024; Accepted: 07 Jan 2025.

    Copyright: © 2025 Ruyi, Ding, Feng and Liao. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence:
    Xicui Feng, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
    Wenli Liao, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 050091, Hubei, China

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.