The link between obesity and the gut microbiota and immune system in early-life

Maria Inês Magalhães, Maria João Azevedo, Flávia Castro, Maria José Oliveira, Ângela M. Costa, Benedita Sampaio Maia*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

In early-life, the gut microbiota is highly modifiable, being modulated by external factors such as maternal microbiota, mode of delivery, and feeding strategies. The composition of the child’s gut microbiota will deeply impact the development and maturation of its immune system, with consequences for future health. As one of the main sources of microorganisms to the child, the mother represents a crucial factor in the establishment of early-life microbiota, impacting the infant’s wellbeing. Recent studies have proposed that dysbiotic maternal gut microbiota could be transmitted to the offspring, influencing the development of its immunity, and leading to the development of diseases such as obesity. This paper aims to review recent findings in gut microbiota and immune system interaction in early-life, highlighting the benefits of a balanced gut microbiota in the regulation of the immune system.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)264-284
Number of pages21
JournalCritical Reviews in Microbiology
Volume51
Issue number2
Early online date23 Apr 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Keywords

  • dysbiosis
  • early-life
  • immunity
  • Microbiota
  • obesity

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