Gut–Brain Axis in Neurodevelopment: Microbial Metabolites and Neurological Function

Dear Colleagues,

The gut–brain axis is an emerging interdisciplinary field that connects microbiology, neuroscience, immunology, and developmental biology. Recent research has revealed the critical role of gut microbiota and its metabolites in shaping neurodevelopment and influencing neurological function throughout life. Disruptions in the microbial ecosystem during key developmental windows have been associated with altered immune signaling, neuroinflammation, and susceptibility to neurological disorders.

This Joint Special Issue, a collaboration between Pathogens and NeuroSci, seeks to highlight cutting-edge research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which gut microbes and their bioactive compounds influence brain development and function. We welcome contributions that elucidate how microbial metabolites affect neural signaling, neuroimmune crosstalk, and behavioral outcomes. Particular attention will be given to studies employing innovative model systems to unravel host–microbe communication along the gut–brain axis, especially during early development or in the context of neurological diseases.

Aligned with the shared interests of both journals, this issue will emphasize microbial determinants, host pathways, and disease mechanisms, with the goal of integrating microbiological and neuroscientific perspectives. We aim to foster a collaborative dialog that advances our understanding of microbial contributions to neural health and disease and inspires novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and comprehensive reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Microbial-derived metabolites with neuroactive or neuroimmunomodulatory functions;
• Interactions between gut microbiota and the central/peripheral nervous and immune systems;
• Host genetic or environmental factors shaping the gut–brain axis;
• The impact of antibiotics, diet, or probiotics on neurodevelopment via microbiome modulation;
• Animal and human studies exploring microbiota–neurodevelopment links;
• Neuroinflammation and microbial pathogenesis.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in NeuroSci.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Xuesong Zhang
Dr. Ningning Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pathogens is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• microbiome
• gut–brain axis
• microbial metabolites
• neurodevelopment
• host–microbe interaction