Microbiota and Immunity during Respiratory Infections: Lung and Gut Affair

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Respiratory tract infections cause significant global morbidity and mortality.
• The lung microbiome's role in pulmonary diseases is increasingly recognized, with gut dysbiosis linked to lung conditions.
• Mechanisms of lung microbiome impact on the gut remain unclear, but gut-lung axis communication is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review lung microbiome alterations during respiratory infections.
• To explore the consequences of these changes on host-pathogen interactions and inflammation.
• To highlight the bidirectional gut-lung communication's role in immunity and disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing animal and human studies on lung and gut microbiota in respiratory infections.
• Analysis of microbiome modifications, host-pathogen interactions, and inflammatory responses.
• Discussion of current and emerging therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• Respiratory infections reduce lung microbial diversity and increase microbial load.
• Altered lung microbiota affects inflammatory signals and cytokine production, impacting disease outcomes.
• The gut-lung axis plays a significant role in modulating inflammation and immunity.

Conclusions:

• Understanding lung microbiome dynamics and gut-lung communication is vital for respiratory health.
• Microbial-based therapies (probiotics, supplements) and targeted treatments (phages, antibodies) show promise.
• Future research should address key questions for translational applications in preventing and controlling respiratory infections.