Gut microbiota and immune mediation: a Mendelian randomization study on granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Abstract

BackgroundThe gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in influencing various health outcomes, including immune-mediated conditions. Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) is one such condition, and its potential associations with gut microbiota remain underexplored.MethodUsing a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach, we investigated the causal links between gut microbiota and GPA. We sourced our data from multiple cohorts and consortiums, including the MiBioGen consortium. Our study design incorporated both direct associations and mediation effects of immune traits on the relationship between gut microbiota and GPA.ResultsOur analysis revealed significant associations between 1 phylum, 1 family 9 genus microbiota taxa and GPA. Furthermore, we identified several immune cell traits that mediated the effects of gut microbiota on GPA. For instance, the family Defluviitaleaceae and genus Defluviitaleaceae UCG011 influenced GPA through CD11c in granulocytes. The mediation effect proportions further elucidated the complex dynamics between gut microbiota exposures, immune markers, and their combined influence on GPA.ConclusionOur findings underscore the intricate relationship between gut microbiota, immune markers, and GPA. The identified associations and mediation effects provide valuable insights into the potential therapeutic avenues targeting gut microbiota to manage GPA.