
Summary:
Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) produced by gut bacteria decreases autoimmunity (immune system attacking host tissue) against the brain.
Abstract:
In this issue of Immunity, Haghikia and colleagues (2015)demonstrate that dietary fatty acids, by modulating gut microbes and their metabolism, regulate mucosal immune cells to impact systemic immunity. Using this mechanism, dietary and bacteria-derived medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids exacerbate, whereas short-chain fatty acids ameliorate, autoimmunity in the brain.