Gut Immunity and Type 1 Diabetes: a Melange of Microbes, Diet, and Host Interactions?

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a complex autoimmune disease, and first stages of the disease typically develop early in life. Genetic as well as environmental factors are thought to contribute to the risk of developing autoimmunity against pancreatic beta cells. Several environmental factors, such as breastfeeding or early introduction of solid food, have been associated with increased risk for developing T1D. During the first years of life, the gut microbial community is shaped by the environment, in particular by dietary factors. Moreover, the gut microbiome has been described for its role in shaping the immune system early in life and early data suggest associations between T1D risk and alterations in gut microbial communities. In this article, we discuss environmental factors influencing the colonization process of the gut microbial community. Furthermore, we review possible interactions between the microbiome and the host that might contribute to the risk of developing T1D.