Emerging roles of gut microbiota and the immune system in the development of the enteric nervous system

Abstract

The enteric nervous system (ENS) consists of neurons and glial cells that differentiate from neural crest progenitors. During embryogenesis, development of the ENS is controlled by the interplay of neural crest cell-intrinsic factors and instructive cues from the surrounding gut mesenchyme. However, postnatal ENS development occurs in a different context, which is characterized by the presence of microbiota and an extensive immune system, suggesting an important role of these factors on enteric neural circuit formation and function. Initial reports confirm this idea while further studies in this area promise new insights into ENS physiology and pathophysiology.

Figures

Figure 1. Potential interactions between microbiota, immune cells, and ENS lineages.

Immune cells, exemplified here by a macrophage, might influence the differentiation of ENS progenitors and the homeostasis of mature neurons and glial cells. In turn, enteric neurons and glia might also influence the responses of cells of the innate and adaptive immune system (136). Red arrows indicate lineage relationships. Solid black arrows indicate cell communication with known molecular mediators. Dotted black lines indicate putative interactions in vivo.