The relationship between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system (commonly referred to as the gut-brain axis) has emerged as a highly promising and rapidly evolving research field within both neuroscience and immunology. Increasing evidence indicates that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the development, modulation, and progression of a wide range of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. These include autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, myasthenia gravis, autoimmune encephalomyelitis, multiple sclerosis, depression, and anxiety. Alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiota have been shown to influence brain function through mechanisms such as immune regulation, metabolic signaling, and modulation of the blood-brain barrier. In many of these disorders, such changes in microbial communities are associated with distinct neurological outcomes, which may significantly impact the clinical course of the disease, patient prognosis, and overall quality of life.

This Special Issue, titled Role of Microbiota in Neurological Diseases, seeks to explore the complex and dynamic interactions between the gut microbiota and the nervous system. We invite the submission of original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and expert perspectives focusing on topics such as microbial metabolites and neuroinflammation, microbiota-derived biomarkers, and emerging therapeutic strategies, including probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. Contributions addressing technological and methodological advances in studying the gut-brain axis are also welcome. By bringing together interdisciplinary insights from microbiology, neuroscience, immunology, and clinical medicine, this collection aims to enhance our understanding of microbiota-mediated mechanisms in neurological diseases and promote the development of innovative approaches for diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: Gut-brain axis, microbiota, neuroinflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, microbial metabolites, neurological disorders