Gut microbiota-bile acid-immune axis: receptor signaling, metabolic regulation, and therapeutic translation
- 1Anesthesia & Operation Center, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University
- 2Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University
Abstract
The gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism are intricately linked, forming a pivotal axis that regulates host immune function and metabolic homeostasis. Bile acids not only facilitate lipid digestion as surfactants but also act as key signaling molecules by activating multiple receptors, which modulate immune responses, energy metabolism, and inflammatory processes. The gut microbiota enzymatically converts primary bile acids into secondary bile acids, thereby influencing the composition and function of the bile acid pool. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and aberrations in bile acid signaling pathways are closely associated with various diseases. Recently, therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota-bile acid-immune axis have emerged, including receptor agonists/antagonists and microbiota modulators, offering novel approaches for disease prevention and treatment. This review comprehensively summarizes the molecular mechanisms, receptor signaling pathways, metabolic regulation, and clinical translational potential of this axis, aiming to provide theoretical support for future precision medicine and innovative therapeutic strategies.
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BibTeX
@article{he2026microbiotabile,
title = {{Gut microbiota-bile acid-immune axis: receptor signaling, metabolic regulation, and therapeutic translation}},
author = {Ruixin He and Qiangqiang Zheng and Yi Shen},
journal = {Frontiers in Immunology},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2026.1910940},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1910940/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Gut microbiota-bile acid-immune axis: receptor signaling, metabolic regulation, and therapeutic translation
AU - Ruixin He
AU - Qiangqiang Zheng
AU - Yi Shen
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/09
JO - Frontiers in Immunology
DO - 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1910940
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1910940/full
AB - The gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism are intricately linked, forming a pivotal axis that regulates host immune function and metabolic homeostasis. Bile acids not only facilitate lipid digestion as surfactants but also act as key signaling molecules by activating multiple receptors, which modulate immune responses, energy metabolism, and inflammatory processes. The gut microbiota enzymatically converts primary bile acids into secondary bile acids, thereby influencing the composition and function of the bile acid pool. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and aberrations in bile acid signaling pathways are closely associated with various diseases. Recently, therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota-bile acid-immune axis have emerged, including receptor agonists/antagonists and microbiota modulators, offering novel approaches for disease prevention and treatment. This review comprehensively summarizes the molecular mechanisms, receptor signaling pathways, metabolic regulation, and clinical translational potential of this axis, aiming to provide theoretical support for future precision medicine and innovative therapeutic strategies.
SN - 1664-3224
ER -