The human microbiome and autoimmunity.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate how dysbiosis of the human microbiome can drive autoimmune disease.


RESULTS
Humans are superorganisms. The human body harbors an extensive microbiome, which has been shown to differ in patients with autoimmune diagnoses. Intracellular microbes slow innate immune defenses by dysregulating the vitamin D nuclear receptor, allowing pathogens to accumulate in tissue and blood. Molecular mimicry between pathogen and host causes further dysfunction by interfering with human protein interactions. Autoantibodies may well be created in response to pathogens.


CONCLUSIONS
The catastrophic failure of human metabolism observed in autoimmune disease results from a common underlying pathogenesis - the successive accumulation of pathogens into the microbiome over time, and the ability of such pathogens to dysregulate gene transcription, translation, and human metabolic processes. Autoimmune diseases are more likely passed in families because of the inheritance of a familial microbiome, rather than Mendelian inheritance of genetic abnormalities. We can stimulate innate immune defenses and allow patients to target pathogens, but cell death results in immunopathology.
Autoimmunity Research Foundation, Sunnyside, New York 11104, USA. amy.proal@gmail.com
Amy D
AD
Proal
Paul J
PJ
Albert
Trevor G
TG
Marshall
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D015551:Autoimmunity; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D054892:Metagenome / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological; D018716:Molecular Mimicry / Q000276:immunology; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000276:immunology
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D001323:Autoantibodies; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol