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Immunostimulation in the era of the metagenome

Cellular & Molecular Immunology volume 8, pages 213–225 (2011)Cite this article

Abstract

Microbes are increasingly being implicated in autoimmune disease. This calls for a re-evaluation of how these chronic inflammatory illnesses are routinely treated. The standard of care for autoimmune disease remains the use of medications that slow the immune response, while treatments aimed at eradicating microbes seek the exact opposite—stimulation of the innate immune response. Immunostimulation is complicated by a cascade of sequelae, including exacerbated inflammation, which occurs in response to microbial death. Over the past 8 years, we have collaborated with American and international clinical professionals to research a model-based treatment for inflammatory disease. This intervention, designed to stimulate the innate immune response, has required a reevaluation of disease progression and amelioration. Paramount is the inherent conflict between palliation and microbicidal efficacy. Increased microbicidal activity was experienced as immunopathology—a temporary worsening of symptoms. Further studies are needed, but they will require careful planning to manage this immunopathology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia

    Amy D Proal & Trevor G Marshall

  2. Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA

    Paul J Albert

  3. Stillpoint Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Greg P Blaney

  4. 4M-Klinikken, Oslo, Norway

    Inge A Lindseth

  5. Autoimmunity Research Foundation, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA,

    Chris Benediktsson

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  1. Amy D Proal
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Correspondence to Amy D Proal.

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Proal, A., Albert, P., Blaney, G. et al. Immunostimulation in the era of the metagenome. Cell Mol Immunol 8, 213–225 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/cmi.2010.77

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