Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids Produced by Gut Microbiota in Innate Lung Immunity and Pathogenesis of the Heterogeneous Course of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a widespread socially significant disease. The development of COPD involves the innate immune system. Interestingly, the regulation of the innate lung immune system is related to the gut microbiota. This connection is due to the production by gut microorganisms of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Nutritional disturbances and changes in the structure of the intestinal microbiota lead to a decrease in SCFAs production and their effect on pulmonary immunity. The presence of a metabolic and immune axis linking the lungs and gut plays an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD. In addition, the nature of nutrition and SCFAs may participate in the development of the clinically heterogeneous course of COPD.