The host-associated archaeome.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Host-Microbe Interactions
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Host-associated microbial communities significantly influence host health and fitness.
• Research has historically overlooked archaeal communities (the archaeome), focusing instead on bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• The archaeome, comprising lineages like Methanobacteriales and Thaumarchaeota, is increasingly recognized as a vital microbiome component.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diversity and potential roles of archaea in association with various hosts.
• To discuss the current understanding of the human archaeome, including host and microbial interactions.
• To explore the implications of the archaeome in both host health and disease.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on host-associated archaea.
• Synthesis of data on archaeal diversity across protists, plants, and animals.
• Analysis of current knowledge regarding the human archaeome and its functions.

Main Results:

• Archaea are present in diverse hosts, including protists, plants, and animals, with significant roles often uncharacterized.
• Methanogenic archaea in the gastrointestinal tract are linked to methane production and disease processes.
• The human archaeome exhibits specific adaptations for host and microbial community interaction.

Conclusions:

• The archaeome is an important, yet understudied, component of host-associated microbial communities.
• Understanding archaeome diversity and function is critical for comprehending host health and disease.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex roles of archaea in host biology.