The role of the changing human microbiome in the asthma pandemic

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Global incidence of asthma and allergies is rising, necessitating a deeper understanding of disease origins.
• Microbiome composition significantly impacts immune regulation, with modern healthcare practices contributing to reduced microbial diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on the human gastrointestinal microbiota's role in immune development, asthma susceptibility, and pathogenesis.
• To highlight key microbial constituents, including Helicobacter pylori, neonatal intestinal microbiota, and microbial metabolites, influencing host immunity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on studies characterizing gastrointestinal microbiota.
• Analysis of research linking microbial composition to immune responses and allergic conditions.
• Exploration of potential clinical interventions based on microbiome research.

Main Results:

• Growing evidence supports microbiota-driven influences on immune development, asthma susceptibility, and pathogenesis.
• Specific microbes like Helicobacter pylori and neonatal gut bacteria play roles in immune modulation.
• Microbial peptides and metabolites are identified as key factors influencing host immunity and allergic responses.

Conclusions:

• Further research into the gut microbiome is crucial for understanding asthma and allergy origins.
• Identifying at-risk populations earlier through microbiome analysis could enable preventative strategies.
• Targeted manipulation of the infant microbiome presents a promising avenue for asthma prevention.