Towards airway microbiome engineering for improving respiratory health

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Pulmonology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• The human microbiome, particularly the gut microbiome, is extensively studied for its role in health and disease.
• The airway microbiome, though less studied, is increasingly recognized as crucial for respiratory health due to its unique characteristics.
• Increasing respiratory diseases necessitate novel therapeutic strategies targeting infections, viruses, and cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define strategies for airway microbiome engineering.
• To explore intentional manipulation of airway microbes for therapeutic benefit.
• To identify promising technologies for clinical translation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on the airway microbiome and respiratory health.
• Analysis of broad-spectrum and high-precision technologies for microbiome manipulation.
• Evaluation of inhaled probiotics and bacteriophages as potential therapeutic agents.

Main Results:

• The airway microbiome has lower species complexity and greater niche stability than the gut microbiome.
• Airway microbiome engineering offers a promising avenue for improving respiratory health.
• Inhaled probiotics and bacteriophages are identified as leading technologies for clinical application.

Conclusions:

• Airway microbiome engineering is a viable strategy to restore microbial balance and enhance protective functions.
• Novel approaches are critical to combat the rising incidence of respiratory diseases.
• Inhaled probiotics and bacteriophages represent attractive, translatable technologies for airway microbiome engineering.