Did you know that without the microorganisms present in our digestive tract, we would have difficulty resisting the numerous health aggressions that we are subjected to on a daily basis? This is particularly true in the case of pathogenic bacteria. Indeed, our health is influenced by the links between microbiota and immunity. Let’s find out more.
Microbiota and immunity: a story of balance
The microbiota: a balanced ecosystem that guarantees a good immunity
The numerous microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi) with which we share our daily lives are not all located in the same place in the human body. They are distributed in different ecosystems, such as the oral microbiota, the vaginal microbiota or the intestinal microbiota. Each microbiota has its own composition and properties. Here, we focus on the intestinal microbiota. This microbiota is characterized by the large quantity and diversity of microorganisms that it is composed of, as well as its primary role in our immune system.
In the intestine 3 components interact:
- Immune system cells: 70% of our immune cells are in the intestine.[1]
- Bacteria of the intestinal microbiota: our digestive tract alone is home to 1014 micro-organisms,[2] i.e., 10 to 10,000 billion bacteria per ml.[3]
- The intestinal epithelium: an essential barrier for our body, it allows the absorption of nutrients and water while preventing the entry of pathogenic microorganisms. Its role in our body’s defenses is reinforced by the mucus it secretes.
These 3 elements act in synergy to serve our immunity. A synergy which relies on a fragile balance and is important to take care of daily.
Beware of imbalance: the risks of dysbiosis
A frequently observed intestinal disorder is dysbiosis. This imbalance of the intestinal flora is often the result of certain foods, infections, or the use of antibiotics. It results in the expansion of certain harmful microbial species at the expense of more beneficial ones. In a situation of dysbiosis, the microbiota can thus produce substances that can themselves induce an imbalance in the immune system. But the opposite is also true: a disturbed immune system can also cause dysbiosis.
Dysbiosis can often be a one-time event and only temporarily weaken the immune system. However, it can also be chronic, lasting over the long term and permanently altering our immune defenses. Research is increasingly exploring the links that exist between changes in the microbiota and the onset of pathologies such as autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
More specifically: what are the links between microbiota and immunity?
From birth: a strong link between microbiota and immunity
Although microorganisms are already present in the unborn child in utero, it is at the time of birth and during interactions with the mother that microbiota in babies will really begin to develop. The type of delivery (e.g., caesarean section or vaginal delivery) and sources of nutrition (breastfeeding, infant formula, and the degree of dietary diversification) influence the composition of the intestinal microbiota from birth. Differences in microbiota composition can be observed very early in infants.
It is also evident that the microbiota participates in the development and maturation of the immune system from the beginning of life. Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, for example, are “good bacteria” that mainly line the intestinal walls of infants and prevent the implantation of pathogens; they have an educational guiding role. They allow the intestinal immune cells to develop and train themselves to recognize “friendly” bacteria from potentially dangerous foreign bodies.
At all stages in life: the dual role of microbiota in supporting immunity
One of the main roles of our gut microbiota is its barrier function. It lines the walls of the gut and prevents bacteria that could be harmful to our health from entering our bodies. In addition, some bacteria in the microbiota fight off invaders by producing toxic substances to eliminate them.
Microbiota and immunity go hand in hand: maintaining a balanced intestinal microbiota is therefore a key element in the proper functioning of the immune system. In addition to a healthy diet, postbiotics are the ideal solution: they have demonstrated their beneficial effect on the microbiota and the stimulation of natural defenses. Why not give it a try?
Adobe Stock / drubig-photo
[1] Vighi C, et al. Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clin Exp Immunol 2008
[2] Sender R, Fuchs S, Milo R. Revised Estimates for the Number of Human and Bacteria Cells in the Body. PLoS Biol. 2016 Aug 19;14(8):e1002533.
[3] INSERM. Microbiote intestinal (flore intestinale) – Une piste sérieuse pour comprendre l’origine de nombreuses maladies. 2021
