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Our interface with the built environment: immunity and the indoor microbiota
Simon Lax1, Cathryn R Nagler2, Jack A Gilbert3
1Institute for Genomic and Systems Biology, Biosciences Department, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, 1101 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Trends in Immunology
|March 11, 2015
Summary
Modern lifestyles and urbanization are changing our relationship with microbes, potentially impacting immune health. We need to explore ways to increase microbial diversity in indoor environments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Urbanization and indoor lifestyles have altered human-microbiota interactions.
- These changes may significantly influence immune system development and function.
- Understanding these shifts is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the impact of modern lifestyles on human-microbiota interactions.
- To explore how indoor environments affect immune health.
- To advocate for strategies to increase microbial diversity in human habitats.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current research on urbanization, indoor environments, and the human microbiome.
- Discussion of potential mechanisms linking lifestyle-induced microbial changes to immune function.
- Argument for environmental manipulation and citizen science engagement.
Main Results:
- Modern lifestyles are reducing exposure to diverse microorganisms.
- Altered microbial exposure may impair immune system development and regulation.
- There is a need to re-evaluate and modify indoor environments.
Conclusions:
- Manipulating indoor environments to enhance microbial diversity is necessary.
- Citizen science initiatives are vital for characterizing human-microbial interactions.
- Proactive strategies are required to mitigate potential negative health consequences.
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