Microbial tryptophan catabolites in health and disease

Henrik Munch Roager, Tine Rask Licht

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

Accumulating evidence implicates metabolites produced by gut microbes as crucial mediators of diet-induced host-microbial cross-talk. Here, we review emerging data suggesting that microbial tryptophan catabolites resulting from proteolysis are influencing host health. These metabolites are suggested to activate the immune system through binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), enhance the intestinal epithelial barrier, stimulate gastrointestinal motility, as well as secretion of gut hormones, exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidative or toxic effects in systemic circulation, and putatively modulate gut microbial composition. Tryptophan catabolites thus affect various physiological processes and may contribute to intestinal and systemic homeostasis in health and disease.
Original languageEnglish
Article number3294
JournalNature Communications
Volume9
Number of pages10
ISSN2041-1723
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

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