Gut bacteria chemicals can help B cells make antibodies better by changing how they produce energy and how their genes are expressed.
Scientific Claim
SCFAs may promote B cell differentiation and antibody production through increased acetyl-CoA production and histone deacetylase inhibition.
Source Excerpt
“SCFAs can be converted to acetyl-CoA (which produces ATP in the TCA cycle) via acetyl/propionyl/butyryl CoA. Acetyl-coA is the main substrate for FA synthesis. FA contributes to the differentiation of plasma B cells and stimulates B cells to produce antibodies. The contents of acetyl-CoA, ATP, lipids, malonyl CoA and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were increased in B cells treated with SCFAs, and ATP, malonyl CoA and FAS were essential for FA production. In addition, SCFAs promote B-cell differentiation and antibody production by increasing glycolysis in B cells. SCFAs affect B-cell differentiation and antibody production through HDAC inhibition and GPR receptor mediation. Studies have found that SCFAs change the expression of B-cell-related genes (IgGs, IgA, Igj, Igk, Igl, Aicda, Xbp1, Irf4, etc.) by inhibiting HDAC.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting Studies
Regulation of short-chain fatty acids in the immune system
The study describes how SCFAs may influence B cell differentiation and antibody production through acetyl-CoA production and HDAC inhibition. This is a descriptive claim about observed mechanisms in the literature.
⚠️ Overstated
The study uses definitive language ('promote', 'increase', 'change the expression') but is a review summarizing existing research. It cannot establish definitive causal relationships between SCFAs and B cell antibody production.
More accurate phrasing:
“SCFAs may be associated with promotion of B cell differentiation and antibody production through increased acetyl-CoA production and histone deacetylase inhibition.”