Host-Microbiota Interactions in IBD: Immune Modulation and Barrier Function

The gut microbiota is integral to maintaining intestinal homeostasis through its critical interactions with the host immune system and the intestinal barrier. A balanced microbiome fosters immune tolerance, regulates both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, and enhances epithelial integrity. Conversely, microbial dysbiosis—a disturbance in microbial composition and function—is strongly linked to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In IBD, microbial imbalances contribute to chronic inflammation by affecting immune signaling, compromising mucosal barrier functions, and influencing metabolic pathways. Recent advancements in multi-omics and sequencing technologies have shed light on the intricate host-microbiota interactions, highlighting the necessity for focused research to elucidate how gut microbes affect immune regulation and intestinal permeability in IBD. This understanding is crucial for developing microbiota-based therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring gut homeostasis and reducing disease progression.

This research initiative seeks to delve into the intricate interactions between gut microbiota and the host within the context of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with a particular emphasis on immune modulation and intestinal barrier function. The objective is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which microbial dysbiosis contributes to IBD pathogenesis, focusing on its impact on mucosal immunity, epithelial integrity, and inflammatory signaling pathways. By identifying key microbial-host interactions and regulatory networks, the research aims to contribute to therapeutic strategies that exploit microbiota for restoring homeostasis and mitigating IBD.

We invite contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:
o The role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of major intestinal diseases such as IBD, colorectal cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
o Mechanisms through which gut microbiota affect intestinal barrier integrity, modulate immune responses, and control inflammatory pathways.
o Advanced methodologies for analyzing the gut microbiome, with emphases on metagenomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics.
o Exploration of microbiota-host interactions in the context of resistance to intestinal pathogens and maintenance of health equilibrium.
This structured scope is designed to guide contributors in focusing their submissions on groundbreaking research that enhances our understanding of the gut microbiota's role in intestinal diseases.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Gut Microbiota, Metabolic diseases, Potential associations, IBD, Host-Microbiota

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.