The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) as a Potential Target for the Control of Intestinal Inflammation: Insights from an Immune and Bacteria Sensor Receptor

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is widely expressed in immune and non-immune cells of the gut and its activation has been correlated to the outcome of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, there is an excessive chronic inflammation with massive accumulation of leukocytes in the gut, in an attempt to constrain the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms on the damaged organ. Accordingly, it is known that dietary components, xenobiotics, and some chemicals or metabolites can activate AHR and induce the modulation of inflammatory responses. In fact, the AHR triggering by specific ligands during inflammatory conditions results in decreased IFNγ, IL-6, IL-12, TNF, IL-7, and IL-17, along with reduced microbial translocation and fibrosis in the gut. Moreover, upon AHR activation, there are increased regulatory mechanisms such as IL-10, IL-22, prostaglandin E2, and Foxp3, besides the production of anti-microbial peptides and epithelial repair. Most interestingly, commensal bacteria or their metabolites may also activate this receptor, thus contributing to the restoration of gut normobiosis and homeostasis. In line with that, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, or microbial products such as tryptophan metabolites, indole-3-pyruvic acid, urolithin A, short-chain fatty acids, dihydroxyquinoline, and others may regulate the inflammation by mechanisms dependent on AHR activation. Hence, here we discussed the potential modulatory role of AHR on intestinal inflammation, focused on the reestablishment of homeostasis through the receptor triggering by microbial metabolites. Finally, the development of AHR-based therapies derived from bacteria products could represent an important future alternative for controlling IBD.