Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Human Diseases
A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Endocrinology and Metabolism Research".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2024 | Viewed by 290
Special Issue Editor
Interests: probiotics; prebiotics; postbiotics; gut microbiota
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Accumulating evidence suggests that nutritional factors can influence the immune system by modulating metabolites, which may originate from host digestion or microbiota metabolism. The diet serves as a rich source of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists. AhR has the capability to bind various exogenous ligands, including natural plant flavonoids, polyphenols, and indoles, along with synthetic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dioxin-like compounds. As a cytosolic transcription factor, AhR typically remains inactive. However, upon binding to these chemical ligands, AhR undergoes translocation into the nucleus, where it forms a dimer with ARNT (AhR nuclear translocator). This molecular interaction ultimately results in alterations in gene transcription.
The AhR has emerged as a crucial regulator in inflammatory signaling, influencing the abundance and function of various immune cells in both innate and adaptive immune systems. The expression of AhR has been linked to protection against intestinal inflammation and the maintenance of barrier function. Furthermore, AhR plays a significant role in the host's defense against both extracellular and intracellular bacterial infections. During bacterial infections, AhR appears to have a dual role of promoting certain anti-bacterial activities while concurrently fostering 'disease tolerance' to minimize immunopathology in the host.
In light of these findings, advancements in identifying and understanding microbiota-derived AhR ligands could pave the way for innovative therapeutic approaches to address multiple inflammatory and infectious diseases.
Dr. Fu-Chen Huang
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- nutrition
- aryl hydrocarbon receptor
- inflammation
- infection
- innate immunity
- adaptive immunity
- colitis
- microbiota
