What is a host? Incorporating the microbiota into the damage-response framework

Area of Science:

• Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
• Host-Microbe Interactions
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Historically, hosts were defined by immunological status, overlooking the microbiome's role.
• The microbiome significantly impacts host homeostasis and disease susceptibility.
• Current definitions fail to fully capture host-microbe dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To redefine the concept of a host by incorporating the microbiome.
• To integrate microbiome data into existing frameworks of microbial pathogenesis.
• To propose a comprehensive definition of a host within the context of host-microbe interactions.

Main Methods:

• Revisiting the damage-response framework (DRF) of microbial pathogenesis.
• Analyzing the impact of the microbiome on host homeostasis and immunity.
• Synthesizing information from microbiome research and pathogenesis studies.

Main Results:

• A host is defined as an entity housing a microbiome and interacting with microbes.
• Outcomes of host-microbe interactions include damage, benefit, or indifference.
• These interactions result in various states such as symbiosis, commensalism, and disease.

Conclusions:

• A revised definition of a host is crucial for understanding microbial pathogenesis.
• The damage-response framework (DRF) effectively incorporates microbiome data.
• This new definition facilitates a more holistic understanding of host-microbe relationships and their outcomes.