Crosstalk between microbiota, pathogens and the innate immune responses

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• The host microbiota plays a critical role in shaping innate and adaptive immunity.
• Host immune responses reciprocally influence the composition and function of the microbiota.
• This bidirectional communication is essential for maintaining host homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent evidence on the mutual relationship and crosstalk between host and resident microbiota.
• To focus on innate immune responses in the gut, cell death pathways, and antimicrobial peptides.
• To highlight how dysbiosis and pathogens contribute to intestinal pathologies.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental and human studies.
• Analysis of research on host-microbiota interactions.
• Synthesis of findings on immune responses, cell death, and antimicrobial peptides.

Main Results:

• Evidence supports a reciprocal relationship where microbiota primes immunity and immunity shapes microbiota.
• Innate immune responses, cell death, and antimicrobial peptides are key mediators of this crosstalk.
• Dysbiosis and pathogens can synergistically promote intestinal diseases and cancer.

Conclusions:

• The intricate crosstalk between the host and microbiota is fundamental for health.
• Understanding this relationship offers potential for discovering protective microbes and therapeutic strategies.
• Future research aims to identify microbial factors that maintain intestinal homeostasis.