Microbial tryptophan catabolites in health
and disease
Henrik M. Roager & Tine R. Licht
Abstract
Accumulating evidence implicates metabolites produced by gut microbes as crucial mediators
of diet-induced host-microbial cross-talk. Here, we review emerging data suggesting that
microbial tryptophan catabolites resulting from proteolysis are influencing host health. These
metabolites are suggested to activate the immune system through binding to the aryl
hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), enhance the intestinal epithelial barrier, stimulate gastrointestinal
motility, as well as secretion of gut hormones, exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidative
or toxic effects in systemic circulation, and putatively modulate gut microbial
composition. Tryptophan catabolites thus affect various physiological processes and may
contribute to intestinal and systemic homeostasis in health and disease.
Nature Communications (2018) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05470-4