Figure 1.

The possible mechanisms whereby gut microbiota influences the type 1 diabetes (T1D) development. The gut microbiota plays a decisive role in the maturation of immune system in early life. Gut dysbiosis will lead to the dysregulation of immune response including both innate and adaptive immune system, eventually resulting in beta cell destruction and the onset of T1D in genetically susceptible individuals. On the other hand, the gut dysbiosis can lead to the disassembly of tight junctions, thereby disrupting the integrity of intestinal barrier. The enhanced intestinal permeability will allow unregulated passage of microbial antigens such as microbiota and their products. These antigens escaping from intestinal tract could be untaken by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which can process and present antigens to autoreactive T cells and subsequently promote the destruction of pancreatic beta cells in genetically predisposed individuals.