Monocyte regulation by gut microbial signals

Monocytes are innate immune cells that sense environmental changes and participate in the immunoregulation of autoimmune, neurologic, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases as well as cancer. Recent studies have suggested that the gut microbiome shapes the biology of monocytes via microbial signals at extraintestinal sites. Interestingly, in chronic diseases, communication between microbial signals and monocytes can either promote or inhibit disease activity, suggesting that some of these pathways can be harnessed for clinical therapies. In this review, we discuss the newer concepts of regulation of monocyte homeostasis and function by gut microbial signals during steady state and inflammation. We also highlight the therapeutic potential of microbial signal-based approaches for modulation in the context of various diseases.