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Protective microbiomes can limit the evolution of host pathogen defense
C Jessica E Metcalf1, Britt Koskella2
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Princeton University Princeton New Jersey 08540.
Host immunity evolves with the microbiome. Difficulty distinguishing pathogens from commensals can lead to reduced immune vigilance, especially when microbes are similar or immunity is costly.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Immunology
- Microbiome research
Background:
- Host immunity and microbiome co-evolve.
- Limited theory exists on how microbiome tolerance impacts pathogen resistance.
- Distinguishing pathogens from commensals is a key challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the evolution of host immunity investment.
- To explore conditions favoring loss of immune vigilance.
- To understand trade-offs in immune system evolution.
Main Methods:
- Developed a general theoretical model.
- Analyzed host-microbiome-pathogen interactions.
- Simulated immune system evolution under varying conditions.
Main Results:
- Loss of immune vigilance can evolve when distinguishing microbes is difficult.
- Microbiome protective effects and high immunity costs increase this loss.
- Reduced immune vigilance is favored when microbes are similar and immune effects are weak.
Conclusions:
- Host immune evolution is shaped by microbiome interactions and discrimination challenges.
- This model explains trade-offs in immune system adaptation.
- Findings inform understanding of pathogen emergence and host vulnerability.
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