Straining to define a healthy microbiome.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• The human gut microbiome plays a significant role in health and disease.
• Early research highlighted the importance of considering the existing microbial community for microbiota manipulation and functional changes independent of composition.
• Approved microbiota-based therapeutics demonstrate the potential of microbiome interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review progress in microbiome research over the past decade.
• To expand on key questions that can accelerate the translation of microbiome research into therapies.
• To discuss historical and recent advancements in understanding the microbiome's role in disease.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of seminal and recent studies in the human gut microbiome field.
• Analysis of the translation of mechanistic microbiome studies into therapeutic applications.
• Discussion of two major questions critical for advancing microbiome-based therapies.

Main Results:

• The field of microbiome research has advanced significantly, impacting disease development understanding.
• Two microbiota-based therapeutics for Clostridioides difficile infection have been approved.
• Translating mechanistic microbiome insights into clinical therapies remains a challenge.

Conclusions:

• Further research addressing key questions is needed to enhance the translation of microbiome research into effective therapies.
• Considering the extant microbial community and functional dynamics is crucial for successful microbiome interventions.
• The microbiome holds significant therapeutic potential for various diseases, requiring continued investigation and development.