Immune recognition of microbial metabolites

Mucosal immunology research continues its fascination with microbial metabolites. In 2019, researchers uncovered extended functions for microbial metabolites in immunity, deepening our understanding of the regulation and function of metabolite-reactive immune cells, and revealed the receptors by which immune cells can recognize bioactive microbial metabolites. In the past year, researchers have gained a deeper understanding of the interactions between immune cells and microbially derived metabolites. Wendy Garrett describes the new insights into the receptors, immune cells and pathways triggered by microbial metabolites.