The Role of Nutritional Strategies in the Regulation of Gut Microbiota and Host Immune System

Book excerpt: The gut microbiota not only plays important roles in many metabolic pathways, but it also provides the host with a variety of functions that promote immune homeostasis, immune responses, and prevent pathogen colonization. The gut microbiota, as well as their metabolites and components, are required for immune homeostasis and influence host susceptibility to a wide range of immune-mediated diseases and disorders. The composition of the gut microbiota influences immune system development and modulates immune mediators, which in turn affects the function of the intestinal barrier. To this end, This Research Topic aims to present and discuss the most recent evidence on the role of nutritional strategies in regulating gut microbiota and host immune system, which will assist in understanding how nutritional strategies can promote immunity homeostasis and intestinal barrier function via the gut microbiota.