The multiple sclerosis microbiome?

Humans comprise of trillions of microbes; >90% reside in our guts. The cost of sequencing microbial genes has greatly diminished, facilitating interrogation of the gut microbiota. Gut-brain communications likely involve the immune system (1,2); of particular relevance in multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative immune-mediated disease, often impacting young adults, with many unmet needs. The exact cause(s) are unknown, current drugs are modestly effective, not without risk, and are not indicated for all. Further, there are few good measures or biomarkers of disease activity.