Short-Chain Fatty Acids as a Potential Treatment for Infections: a Closer Look at the Lungs

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the main metabolites produced by the gut microbiota via the fermentation of complex carbohydrates and fibers. Evidence suggests that SCFAs play a role in the control of infections through direct action both on microorganisms and on host signaling. This review summ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Infection and immunity 2021-08, Vol.89 (9), p.e0018821-e0018821
Main Authors: Machado, Marina Gomes, Sencio, Valentin, Trottein, François
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Anti-Infective Agents - immunology
Anti-Infective Agents - metabolism
Anti-Infective Agents - therapeutic use
Fatty Acids, Volatile - immunology
Fatty Acids, Volatile - metabolism
Fatty Acids, Volatile - therapeutic use
Humans
Immunology
Infections - drug therapy
Infections - immunology
Infections - microbiology
Life Sciences
Lung - drug effects
Lung - immunology
Lung - microbiology
Lung - virology
Microbial Viability
Minireview
Respiratory Tract Infections - drug therapy
Respiratory Tract Infections - immunology
Respiratory Tract Infections - microbiology
Respiratory Tract Infections - virology
Signal Transduction - immunology
Virulence
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Summary:Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the main metabolites produced by the gut microbiota via the fermentation of complex carbohydrates and fibers. Evidence suggests that SCFAs play a role in the control of infections through direct action both on microorganisms and on host signaling. This review summarizes the main microbicidal effects of SCFAs and discusses studies highlighting the effect of SCFAs in the virulence and viability of microorganisms. We also describe the diverse and complex modes of action of the SCFAs on the immune system in the face of infections with a specific focus on bacterial and viral respiratory infections. A growing body of evidence suggests that SCFAs protect against lung infections. Finally, we present potential strategies that may be leveraged to exploit the biological properties of SCFAs for increasing effectiveness and optimizing patient benefits.
ISSN:0019-9567
1098-5522
DOI:10.1128/iai.00188-21