Gut Bacteria May Influence Multiple Sclerosis Risk
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Gut Bacteria May Influence Multiple Sclerosis Risk
- Recent genetic research in July 2026 suggests that lower levels of a specific gut bacterium, *Akkermansia massiliensis*, could increase the risk of multiple sclerosis by affecting an immune-regulating gene.
- Another study published in February 2026 found that the gut microbiota from recently diagnosed MS patients induced more severe neuroimmune disease in mice compared to microbiota from long-term patients or healthy individuals.
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Research continues to explore the complex relationship between gut bacteria and multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system. While the exact cause of MS remains unknown, a combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to be involved.
One area of focus is the gut microbiome, the trillions of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract. A genetic study published in July 2026 indicated that reduced levels of the gut bacterium *Akkermansia massiliensis* might elevate MS risk. This is thought to occur by decreasing the activity of the immune-regulating gene FcRL3. Researchers involved in this study, published in *Genes & Immunity*, noted that the FcRL3 protein is crucial in connecting specific microbiota species with immune system function and predisposition to autoimmunity.
Further insights into the dynamic nature of the gut microbiome in MS were provided by a February 2026 study. This research, utilizing a humanized mouse model, demonstrated that gut microbiota from individuals recently diagnosed with MS led to more severe neuroimmune disease in mice. In contrast, microbiota from long-term MS patients or healthy individuals resulted in milder disease outcomes. This suggests that the gut microbiome’s ability to promote systemic inflammation and trigger MS pathology may be particularly critical during the early stages of the disease.
Other studies have also highlighted the potential role of the gut microbiome. A Yale study published in February 2025 found significant differences in gut microbiomes between newly diagnosed MS patients and healthy individuals, including a smaller proportion of bacteria coated in the antibody IgA in MS patients. This suggests a potential disconnect in host-microbe interactions. While research into the gut microbiome’s influence on MS is advancing, the broader understanding of MS causes also includes factors like the Epstein-Barr virus, genetic susceptibility, vitamin D deficiency, and smoking.