A recent study found that a type of immune cell produced in the gut, called RORγ+ Tregs, plays a role in repairing injured muscles and mending damaged livers. The researchers discovered that gut microbiota fuel the production of these immune cells, which act as sentries that sense damage at distant sites in the body and respond to distress signals to repair that damage. The study suggests that gut immune cells may have a wider role in taming inflammation and healing damage beyond the intestines. The findings could inform the design of treatments for fatty liver disease and suggest the possibility of harnessing the power of gut microbes to enhance recovery from injury. However, the study was conducted in mice and needs to be replicated in larger animals and humans. The study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiota and the potential risks of indiscriminate antibiotic use.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2023.01.033