Microbial regulation of serotonin and neuroimmune interactions

Abstract

Bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and neuroimmune system is essential during host–microbiome interactions. Recent research has begun to unravel microbiome–neuroimmune crosstalk and suggest classical neurochemicals as key molecular players. Serotonin, a tryptophan-derived neurochemical found across the kingdom of life, is increasingly recognized as an important effector molecule central to interkingdom communication. Here, we focus on serotonin as a key factor for microbiome–neuroimmune interaction. We briefly summarize the serotonergic system and the role of the gut microbiome in regulating serotonin bioavailability, which leads to downstream effects on neuroimmune responses and microbial fitness.