The Role of Antimicrobial Peptides and the Gut Microbiota in Autoimmune Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

During the last decade, the recognition of the critical role played by the intestinal microbiota has greatly advanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of numerous diseases. Recent investigations demonstrated the complex bidirectional interplay between gut microbiota and the immune system not only locally in the intestine but also in distant organs. Therefore, it is not surprising that preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the role of altered intestinal microbiota in the development of numerous autoimmune diseases. In this regard, a deep understanding of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of gut microbiota homeostasis is a crucial requirement for the development of clinical applications targeting gut microbiota. Antimicrobial peptides are major actors in the regulation of intestinal microbiota composition but also as immunoregulatory molecules induced by microbiota-derived metabolites. Therefore, these molecules are attractive therapeutic tools against autoimmune diseases potentially able to both correct the intestinal microbiota and regulate the immune system. However, to effectively develop novel therapeutic strategies benefitting patients, a better understanding of mechanisms regulating the complex interplay between antimicrobial peptides, the intestinal microbiota and the immune system is required.

This Special Issue of Cells invites investigators to contribute original research articles and reviews from basic and translational preclinical studies that stimulate the continuing efforts to decipher the role of antimicrobial peptides and its interaction with the intestinal microbial and the immune system in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases. Research fields include but are not limited to (1) the impact of antimicrobial peptides on intestinal microbiota homeostasis; (2) the pathways employed by the intestinal microbiota to regulate antimicrobial peptide expression in the intestine and in distant organs; (3) the impact of antimicrobial peptides on the immune system, its development in the intestine and its function in distant organs; (4) the use of therapeutical approaches for autoimmune diseases based on the use of antimicrobial peptides.

Dr. Julien Diana
Dr. Peter Van Endert
Guest Editors

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• intestinal microbiota
• autoimmunity
• antimicrobial peptides