• The Microbiome Revolution: Bridging Gut Health, Mental Well-Being, and Immunity
  • Maedeh Torknaz,1,*
    1. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences (Fakhri Zadeh), Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran


  • Introduction: The landscape of biomedical science is currently being reshaped by a groundbreaking realization: the vast community of microorganisms residing in our gut, the microbiome, acts as a central regulator connecting physical and mental health. This review synthesizes cutting-edge evidence to illuminate how the gut microbiome serves as a critical communication hub between digestive health, immune function, and psychological well-being. It advances beyond the traditional gut-brain axis to an integrated gut-brain-immune model, where microbes directly influence systemic inflammation, neuroendocrine pathways, and mental states.
  • Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published from 2019 to the present (2024). Keywords included "gut microbiome," "mental health," "immune system," "gut-brain-immune axis," and related terms. The review prioritized peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials focusing on mechanistic pathways and therapeutic applications.
  • Results: The analysis revealed that disturbances in gut microbial balance (dysbiosis)—such as reduced diversity and decreased beneficial bacteria like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii—are consistently linked to depression and anxiety. Dysbiosis compromises intestinal barrier integrity, permitting bacterial byproducts to enter circulation and trigger systemic inflammation. Key cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) subsequently propagate signals to the brain, altering neural activity and behavior. Gut microbes actively produce metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which calibrate immune responses and suppress excessive inflammation. Additionally, certain bacteria synthesize neuroactive molecules (e.g., serotonin, GABA), facilitating communication via the vagus nerve, bloodstream, and HPA axis. Emerging interventions—such as targeted probiotics, prebiotics, and Mediterranean-style diets—demonstrate efficacy in restoring microbial equilibrium and alleviating mental health symptoms. Personalized microbiome-based therapies represent a promising frontier for precision medicine.
  • Conclusion: The gut microbiome functions as a master regulator bridging mental well-being and immune homeostasis. Evidence-based strategies targeting microbial ecosystems offer transformative potential for holistic health interventions. Future efforts should prioritize personalized approaches and large-scale clinical trials to translate these insights into actionable treatments, ushering in a new era of integrative medicine.
  • Keywords: Gut Microbiome, Mental Health, Immune System, Gut-Brain-Immune Axis, Psychobiotics