The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Immune Regulation and Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases: Implications of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

Authors

  • Venkata Yashashwini Maram Reddy Guntur Medical College, Guntur, India
  • Navod Jayasuriya University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka
  • Muaz Ali Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Abdaal Munir Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Birkenhead, England
  • Jamal Montaser California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
  • Srihas Tumu California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
  • Lubna Mohammed Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56570/ef876k32

Keywords:

Gut microbiome, Immune regulation, Autoimmune and allergic diseases, Probiotics, prebiotics, FMT, Dysbiosis

Abstract

Autoimmune and allergic diseases are systemic conditions caused by immune dysregulation, affecting millions globally. Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, involve autoreactive lymphocytes attacking host tissues, while allergic diseases like asthma and atopic dermatitis stem from exaggerated immune responses to environmental antigens. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of the gut microbiome in maintaining immune homeostasis and its dysregulation (dysbiosis) in the pathogenesis of these diseases. This systematic review, adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, examined studies published in the last decade to explore microbiota-mediated immune regulation and the therapeutic potential of probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). A total of 145 records were identified, with 16 studies meeting inclusion criteria after rigorous screening and quality assessment. Results reveal that dysbiosis, marked by reduced microbial diversity and shifts in bacterial composition, contributes to immune dysfunction and disease progression. Probiotics and prebiotics were shown to enhance regulatory T-cell activity, restore gut barrier integrity, and reduce inflammatory cytokines, while FMT demonstrated efficacy in conditions such as ulcerative colitis and type 1 diabetes, improving clinical outcomes. Despite promising short-term results, challenges including variability in methodologies, accessibility, and long-term safety remain. This review highlights the gut microbiome as a crucial therapeutic target in autoimmune and allergic diseases. Integrating microbiome-based interventions with personalized approaches could revolutionize immune regulation and disease management, paving the way for innovative, accessible, and effective treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes worldwide.

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2026-02-13

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1.
Maram Reddy VY, Jayasuriya N, Ali M, et al. The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Immune Regulation and Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases: Implications of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Fecal Microbiota Transplantation. Journal For International Medical Graduates. 2026;5(1). doi:10.56570/ef876k32