The gut-liver/bile axis: Gut microbiota and bacterial extracellular vesicles remodeling hepatobiliary pathogenesis

iScience 2026 Open access

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Authors: Siyang Hu, Chunhui He, Kunqi Sun, Hongye Zhou, Xueyan Liu, Dr. Hao Wang, Sen Li, Haifeng Yu, Ke Xu, Wei Li
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.115623
Cited by: 1
References: 142

Abstract

Global hepatobiliary disease burden is increasing, prompting gut-liver axis research. Gut microbiota-secreted bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) carry bioactive molecules affecting host immunity, inflammation, and metabolism. Whether BEVs actively or passively cause liver damage is unclear. This review suggests gut-derived BEVs trigger hepatic innate immunity and sterile inflammation. By combining current findings on how gut microbes, their BEVs, and hepatobiliary diseases interact, we improve the "gut-liver/bile axis" idea. Acknowledging BEVs' active part in disease offers new ways to use them as diagnostic markers and treatment targets, likely better managing hepatobiliary disorders.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Liver physiology and pathology Pediatric Hepatobiliary Diseases and Treatments Gut microbiota and health

Publication details

Journal / source
iScience
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
29
Issue
5
Pages
115623–115623
Publication date
8 April 2026
Language
EN