FIGURE 1.

The immune system shapes the function and composition of the microbiota. Alterations in the composition of the microbiota change lipid and nutrient absorption, modify what bacterial metabolites the host receives, and influence the inflammatory state of the host. All of these changes in the microbiota form and function contribute to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, such as kwashiorkor, obesity, and T2D. Strategies to address the microbiota basis of metabolic disease include supplementing with beneficial organisms through FMTs or probiotics, supplementing with the beneficial products produced by microbes, such as SCFAs, or vaccinating against deleterious organisms. Deepening our understanding of which patients need what specific microbes and how the host’s unique immune landscape sculpts the microbiome will be vital to developing effective therapies. Created with Biorender.com.