Immune discrimination between commensals and pathogenic bacteria
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Interaction with various bacteria is essential for the development of various components of the immune system. To prevent disease, the immune system must continuously discriminate between commensal and pathogenic bacteria. The immune system employs several mechanisms to discriminate between beneficial and harmful bacteria. This ensures selective immune tolerance toward commensals, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. Both commensal and pathogenic bacteria contain features that provoke immune responses. However, how the immune system reacts to or eliminates bacterial infections while preserving commensals is not fully understood. This review aims to explore the underlying mechanisms used by the immune system to distinguish between commensals and pathogenic bacteria. The review also addresses how commensals interact with immune system components to facilitate immune discrimination and host protection. Finally, dysbiosis and therapeutic interventions used to restore microbial balance are also discussed in this review.
Source: Virulence
Author: Hamad H. Alanazi
Institution: Jouf University
Language: English
Topic: Gut microbiota and health
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,557
OpenAlex ID: W7162133000