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Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are carboxylic acids with carbon atom numbers less
than 6, which are important metabolites of gut microbiome. Existing research shows
that SCFAs play a vital role in the health and disease of the host. First, SCFAs are
the key energy source for colon and ileum cells, and affect the intestinal epithelial
barrier and defense functions by regulating related gene expression. Second, SCFAs
regulate the function of innate immune cells to participate in the immune system,
such as macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells. Third, SCFAs can also regulate
the differentiation of T cells and B cells and the antigen-specific adaptive immunity
mediated by them. Besides, SCFAs are raw materials for sugar and lipid synthesis,
which provides a theoretical basis for studying the potential role of SCFAs in regulating
energy homeostasis and metabolism. There are also studies showing that SCFAs inhibit
tumor cell proliferation and promote apoptosis. In this article, we summarized in
detail the role of SCFAs in immunity, inflammation and metabolism, and briefly introduced
the role of SCFAs in tumor cell survival. It provides a systematic theoretical basis
for the study of SCFAs as potential drugs to promote human health.