Human Microbiome Alterations in Multiple Sclerosis
A systematic review found significant changes in the human microbiome of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), linking these alterations to disease phenotype, inflammation, and treatment methods. Notably, these microbiota changes affect immune responses, particularly in T cell differentiation along the Th17/IL-17 pathway.
- Most relevant to
- Neurologist, Immunologist
Why it matters
Understanding these microbiome alterations may reveal interactions between gut bacteria and immune responses in MS, contributing to insights into disease mechanisms.
What this does not prove
However, substantial methodological variability, the predominance of cross-sectional designs that limit causal insights, treatment confounders, and poor reproducibility of specific microbial findings reduce the strength of these associations.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Systematic review
- Participants / samples
- Not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-09-26
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
Original sources
Supporting passages (5)
study designThis review critically synthesizes available evidence from studies demonstrating significant alterations in the composition of the human microbiome in individuals with MS.
subjectsThis review critically synthesizes available evidence from studies demonstrating significant alterations in the composition of the human microbiome in individuals with MS.
findingsOverall, the available evidence points to multilevel interactions between the microbiome, host genetics, metabolism, and the immune system in MS.
limitationsHowever, substantial methodological heterogeneity, predominantly cross-sectional study designs, treatment-related confounding, and limited reproducibility of taxon-specific findings currently restrict causal interpretation.
publication datePublication date: 2026-09-26
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