Gut microbiota and renal transplant outcome

Gaining long-term graft function and patient survival remain a critical challenge following kidney transplantation. Genetic and environmental factors do not completely account for the individual's graft outcome. Recently, it is reported that gut microbial community (microbiota) is associated with complications in kidney allograft recipients, as well. Commensal microbiota plays a significant role in the immunomodulation of transplant recipient responses. Different factors can disrupt the reciprocal interaction between microbiota and the host immune responses and lead to infection and rejection complications in the organ recipient. In this review, we address the relation between microbiota and immune system along with their possible roles in renal graft outcome. We next highlight the beneficial effects of probiotics on the management of kidney diseases and solid organ transplantation. Finally, we reflect on the potential impacts of probiotics on host physiology. Hopefully, a deeper understanding of the function and composition of microbiota can help clinics develop strategies to restore the normal microbiota and facilitate the clinical management of grafts in the forthcoming future.