Figure 6.
The interaction networks between host proteome and gut microbiome in CD patients
(A) mfuzz clustering of differential host proteins and gut microbial genes across different tissue sites of CD patients. Membership scores indicate the degree to which the microbial gene or host protein belongs in each cluster. M.C, microbial cluster; P.C, protein cluster.
(B) A concept map of the host-microbiota interaction patterns involved in the pathogenesis of CD. During CD, the intestinal inflammation initially occurs in the mucosal area and gradually involves extraintestinal tissues, including the SMS, MAT, MES, and MLN, leading to impaired host defense and dysregulation of immune response in these areas, which contribute to transmission of the gut microbiota from the intestinal lumen into the intestinal accessory tissues.