Beyond the neuro-immune interplay in depression: Could gut microbes be the missing link?

Abstract

Accumulating evidence have positioned inflammatory signaling pathways as crucial routes by which microbes inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract (the gut microbiota) communicate with the host brain to influence behavior, with impacts on mental illnesses. In this short review, an overview of inflammatory and gut microbiota status in human depression and in rodent models of the illness are provided. Next, potential inflammatory pathways mediating the communications between the gut and the brain under stressful conditions are described. Finally, dietary interventions targeting the gut microbiota-immune-brain axis in the context of depression are briefly discussed.

Editorial commentary on the special issue emerging psychoneuroimmunology research: Future leaders in focus

“…Using a PNI lens, ECI's also examined the evidence surrounding potential treatments for mental health disorders. For example, the antidepressant effects of minocycline were explored by Nettis (2021) , while Audet (2021) discussed the intricate connections between the microbiota-immune-brain axis by focusing on the potential for dietary interventions in the treatment of depressive symptoms.…”