Effects of dietary restriction on gut microbiota and CNS autoimmunity

Claudia Cantoni, Yair Dorsett, Luigi Fontana, Yanjiao Zhou, Laura Piccio

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common central nervous system (CNS) autoimmune disease. It is due to the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Current opinion is that diet could play a pathogenic role in disease onset and development. Dietary restriction (DR) without malnutrition markedly improves health and increases lifespan in multiple model organisms. DR regimens that utilize continuous or intermittent food restriction can induce anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulatory and neuroendocrine adaptations promoting health. These adaptations exert neuroprotective effects in the main MS animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). This review summarizes the current knowledge on DR-induced changes in gut microbial composition and metabolite production and its impact on underlying functional mechanisms. Studies demonstrating the protective effects of DR regimens on EAE and people with MS are also presented. This is a rapidly developing research field with important clinical implications for personalized dietary interventions in MS prevention and treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Article number108575
JournalClinical Immunology
Volume235
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2022

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