The Pathophysiology of Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) in the GI Tract: Inflammation, Barrier Function and Innate Immunity

The Farnesoid-X Receptor, FXR, is a nuclear bile acid receptor. Its originally described function is in bile acid synthesis and regulation within the liver. More recently, however, FXR has been increasingly appreciated for its breadth of function and expression across multiple organ systems, including the intestine. While FXR’s role within the liver continues to be investigated, increasing literature indicates that FXR has important roles in responding to inflammation, maintaining intestinal epithelial barrier function, and regulating immunity within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Given the complicated and multi-factorial nature of intestinal barrier dysfunction, it is not surprising that FXR’s role appears equally complicated and not without conflicting data in different model systems. Recent work has suggested translational applications of FXR modulation in GI pathology; however, a better understanding of FXR physiology is necessary for these treatments to gain widespread use in human disease. This review aims to discuss current scientific work on the role of FXR within the GI tract, specifically in its role in intestinal inflammation, barrier function, and immune response, while also exploring areas of controversy.