The Role of Notch Signaling and Gut Microbiota in Autoinflammatory Diseases: Mechanisms and Future Views
Vincenzo Giambra, Mario Caldarelli, Laura Franza, Pierluigi Rio, Gaja Bruno, Serena Di Iasio, Andrea Mastrogiovanni, Antonio Gasbarrini, Giovanni Gambassi, Rossella Cianci
Abstract
Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved, multifunctional pathway involved in cell fate determination and immune modulation and contributes to the pathogenesis of autoinflammatory diseases. Emerging evidence reveals a bidirectional interaction between Notch and the gut microbiota (GM), whereby GM composition is capable of modulating Notch signaling through the binding of microbial elements to Notch receptors, leading to immune modulation. Furthermore, Notch regulates the GM by promoting SCFA-producing bacteria while suppressing proinflammatory strains. Beneficial microbes, such as Lactobacillus and Akkermansia muciniphila, modulate Notch and reduce proinflammatory cytokine production (such as IL-6 and TNF-α). The interaction between GM and Notch can either amplify or attenuate inflammatory pathways in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), Behçet’s disease, and PAPA syndrome. Together, these findings provide novel therapeutic perspectives for autoinflammatory diseases by targeting the GM via probiotics or inhibiting Notch signaling. This review focuses on Notch–GM crosstalk and how GM-based and/or Notch-targeted approaches may modulate immune responses and promote better clinical outcomes.