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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2017 Jan 1.
Published in final edited form as: J Autoimmun. 2015 Sep 26;66:76–88. doi: 10.1016/j.jaut.2015.08.019

FIGURE 1. FACTORS INFLUENCING THE HOST MICROBIOTA AND DIABETES.

FIGURE 1

The gut microbiota has been shown to have a significant effect on the development of the immune system and vice versa in modifying risk of developing autoimmunity. While the bacteria can be directly influenced through the use of antibiotics and probiotics, the environmental niche in which they reside is also important. Environmental factors including sex hormones and those involved in metabolism can contribute to changes in the bacterial composition. Furthermore, the genetics of the host and the ability of the immune system to respond to the bacteria are also influential factors in shaping the gut microbiome. By altering the gut microbiota, it is possible to alter the antigens presented to the immune system and the context in which those antigens are presented i.e. in proinflammatory vs normal homeostatic turnover, the immune system can respond differently either protecting from or promoting autoimmunity. Therefore targeting different parts of this interactive network may enable tolerance and protection from disease.