Gut Microbiota and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and multi-organ damage and mainly affects women of childbearing age. SLE can only be controlled but not cured currently. The occurrence and development of SLE were reported to be associated with genetic factors as well as environmental triggers. In recent years, mounting evidence showed that there were compositional and functional changes in the gut microbiota of SLE patients. Also, the disturbed gut microbiota was suggested to partake in SLE pathogenesis by damaging the gut barrier, as well as inducing or aggravating chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. This review summarized the progress of research on the gut microbiota in SLE, discussed the clinical value of gut microbiota-related interventions, and envisions the future direction of research related to gut microbiota in lupus.