Intersection of the microbiome and immune metabolism in lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex autoimmune disease resulting from a dysregulation of the immune system that involves gut dysbiosis and an altered host cellular metabolism. This review highlights novel insights and expands on the interactions between the gut microbiome and the host immune metabolism in lupus. Pathobionts, invasive pathogens, and even commensal microbes, when in dysbiosis, can all trigger and modulate immune responses through metabolic reprogramming. Changes in the microbiota's global composition or individual taxa may trigger a cascade of metabolic changes in immune cells that may, in turn, reprogram their functions. Factors contributing to dysbiosis include changes in intestinal hypoxia, competition for glucose, and limited availability of essential nutrients, such as tryptophan and metal ions, all of which can be driven by host metabolism changes. Conversely, the accumulation of some host metabolites, such as itaconate, succinate, and free fatty acids, could further influence the microbial composition and immune responses. Overall, mounting evidence supports a bidirectional relationship between host immunometabolism and the microbiota in lupus pathogenesis.