How the microbiome challenges our concept of self

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Neuroscience
• Genomics
• Human Biology

Background:

• Classical biological models define the individual self through the immune system, brain, and genome.
• Emerging microbiome research presents a paradigm shift, challenging these established biological explanations.
• The human body hosts a vast community of microorganisms crucial for various biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how microbiome research challenges the traditional understanding of the individual self.
• To investigate the influence of resident microbes on the immune system, brain, and genome.
• To discuss the broader implications of viewing humans as interactive systems with microorganisms.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on microbiome research.
• Analysis of evidence demonstrating microbial influence on host biological systems.
• Conceptual framework development integrating microbial interactions into self-identity.

Main Results:

• Microbes actively orchestrate the adaptive immune system.
• Resident microorganisms significantly influence brain function and behavior.
• The microbiome contributes more gene functions than the human genome itself.

Conclusions:

• Humans are not discrete entities but dynamic outcomes of host-microorganism interactions.
• This perspective necessitates a re-evaluation of human uniqueness and traditional disciplinary boundaries.
• Microbiome research has profound implications for biology, philosophy, and the arts and sciences.