Crosstalk between gut microbiota and cellular senescence: a vicious cycle leading to aging gut.

Two phenomena, the accumulation of senescent cells and changes in the gut microbiota, are thought to contribute to the decline of biological functions and the development of diseases associated with aging. However, the relationship between these two phenomena and their effects on aging remains to be clarified. Recently, we have reported that gut bacteria induce cellular senescence in ileal germinal center (GC) B cells, resulting in decreased IgA production and diversity. This, in turn, leads to an imbalance in the gut microbiota. Thus, the crosstalk between the gut microbiota and cellular senescence via the host immune system may establish a vicious cycle and contribute to the disruption of gut homeostasis associated with aging.