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The gut virome: the 'missing link' between gut bacteria and host immunity?
Indrani Mukhopadhya1, Jonathan P Segal2, Simon R Carding3
1Gastrointestinal Research Group, Division of Applied Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK Gut Health Group, The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK.
Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology
|April 3, 2019
Summary
The human gut virome, a collection of viruses in our intestines, significantly impacts health but is poorly understood. Future studies must analyze the virome alongside the gut microbiome to reveal its roles in health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The human gut harbors a complex virome, including viruses infecting host cells and other microbes.
- Despite its prevalence, the gut virome is understudied due to a lack of comprehensive analysis tools.
- The virome's interactions with other gut microbiota components are crucial for its function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the human gut virome.
- To explore the virome's relationship with the gut microbiome, host evolution, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- To emphasize the need for integrated virome and microbiome research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on the human gut virome.
- Analysis of the virome's interplay with bacterial communities.
- Examination of virome's role in inflammatory bowel disease and therapeutic contexts.
Main Results:
- The gut virome is interconnected with all gut-resident cells and cannot be studied in isolation.
- The virome shares developmental and functional trajectories with the gut bacterial microbiome.
- Evidence suggests shared roles in both health and disease states.
Conclusions:
- The gut virome plays a significant role in host well-being and disease.
- Future research should concurrently investigate the gut virome and microbiome.
- Integrated studies are essential to elucidate the virome's comprehensive role in human health and disease.