Autoimmune diseases
The gut microbiome plays a central role in the formation and regulation of the immune system. Studies show that certain Clostridium clusters induce regulatory T cells (Treg) that suppress autoimmune activity.
Experimental field: Research on FMT for autoimmune diseases is at early stages. Data are encouraging but require confirmation in large RCTs.
What are autoimmune diseases?
A group of diseases in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, causing chronic inflammation.
About the diseases
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system loses the ability to distinguish "self" from "non-self" and begins attacking healthy cells and tissues. A key role in this process is played by the imbalance between pro-inflammatory and regulatory cells.
Statistics: Over 80 autoimmune diseases affect approximately 5-8% of the population. 70% of immune cells are located in the gut.
Major diseases
- Rheumatoid arthritis — joint damage
- Multiple sclerosis — nervous system damage
- Psoriasis — skin damage
- Systemic lupus erythematosus — multi-organ damage
- Autoimmune thyroiditis — thyroid damage
Microbiome and immunity
- 70% of immune cells are located in the gut
- The microbiome "trains" the immune system to distinguish self from non-self
- Dysbiosis is linked to "leaky gut"
- Clostridium bacteria induce Treg — regulatory T cells (Atarashi et al., Nature 2013)
Standard treatment
Includes immunosuppressants, biologic therapy (anti-TNF), corticosteroids, DMARDs.
Immunosuppression increases infection risk and has serious side effects. Not all patients respond to therapy.
Why FMT for autoimmune diseases?
Restoring a healthy microbiome may help restore immune system balance and reduce autoimmune activity.
Dysbiosis
Disrupted microbial balance, loss of Clostridium
"Leaky" gut
Antigens enter the bloodstream, immune activation
FMT transplantation
Barrier restoration and microbial balance
Immunomodulation
Treg growth, reduced autoimmune activity
Mechanism of action
A healthy microbiome restores intestinal barrier integrity and normalizes the immune response. A key discovery — Clostridium clusters IV and XIVa induce regulatory T cells (Treg) that suppress excessive immune activation (Atarashi et al., Nature 2013).
Conditions under investigation
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis
- Autoimmune hepatitis
Experimental field: FMT for autoimmune diseases is at the early stages of research. Data from large RCTs are still insufficient. Results are individual.
Research results
Preliminary data show the potential of FMT in modulating the immune response in various autoimmune conditions.
70%
Of immune cells are in the gut
15+
Clinical studies worldwide
Treg
Increase in regulatory cells
Nature
Atarashi et al. 2013 — key discovery
Key studies
- Atarashi et al., Nature 2013: Clostridium clusters IV and XIVa induce regulatory T cells (Treg) that suppress excessive immune response — a fundamental mechanism of immunomodulation through the microbiota
- Zeng et al., Frontiers in Immunology 2019: FMT showed modulation of the immune response and reduction of pro-inflammatory markers in rheumatoid arthritis
- Reviews 2022-2024: FMT is considered a promising method for modulating autoimmunity through the gut-immunity axis. Pilot trials in multiple sclerosis show improvement in neurological parameters
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Patient story
Experience with a comprehensive approach to autoimmune disease
"Rheumatoid arthritis bothered me for 8 years; I tried numerous medications. After a course of FMT, I noticed that flare-ups became less frequent and my joints bothered me less in the mornings. I can't say I'm fully recovered, but my quality of life has improved. I continue working with my rheumatologist on a comprehensive treatment plan."
Wang L.
45 years old, Shanghai
Name changed. Results are individual.
Related conditions
FMT is also being studied for other immune and inflammatory disorders
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Interested in immunomodulation?
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