Gut-brain-immune axis implications for mental health and disease

Mol Cell Biochem. 2025 Oct;480(10):5243-5265. doi: 10.1007/s11010-025-05325-9. Epub 2025 Jun 12.

Abstract

Significantly affecting mental health, the gut-brain-immune axis shows a complicated interaction between the gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and central nervous system. Maintaining immunological homeostasis and brain function depends on gut bacteria, which are crucial due to their varied microbial populations. Along this axis, communication takes place via immunological responses, microbial metabolites, and brain pathways. Mental health issues like stress, sadness, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and schizophrenia are linked to dysbiosis and inflammation. Restoring microbial balance and enhancing mental health outcomes show promise from therapeutic approaches, including probiotics, prebiotics, dietary changes, and pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological therapies. Future studies should concentrate on clarifying the gut-brain-immune axis mechanics, creating individualized treatments, and applying results into clinical use. By tackling their underlying causes and encouraging general well-being, this combined approach presents fresh paths for treating mental health problems.

Keywords: Gut–brain–immune axis; Immunotherapy; Mental health; Psychobiotics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain* / immunology
  • Brain-Gut Axis* / immunology
  • Dysbiosis / immunology
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome* / immunology
  • Gastrointestinal Tract* / immunology
  • Gastrointestinal Tract* / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders* / immunology
  • Mental Disorders* / microbiology
  • Mental Health*
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use