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Updated: Apr 3, 2026
Unilateral Lung Volume Analysis Using Micro-CT for Enhanced Assessment of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Preclinical Models
Published on: June 20, 2025
Harnessing the lung microbiome for precision management of fibrotic lung disease
Sylvie Leroy1, Barnabé Roméo2, Amine Belaid2
1Université Côte d'Azur, Institute for Research on Ageing and Cancer, Nice (IRCAN), Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Fédérations Hospitalo-Universitaires (FHU) OncoAge, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Nice 06107, France; Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Thoracic Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Nice, FHU OncoAge, IHU RespirERA, Nice 06000, France.
Abstract:
Interstitial lung diseases, particularly idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), have dismal prognoses, with a median survival of 3-5 years, owing to a lack of early biomarkers or effective treatments. This review highlights the lung microbiome as a key biological factor in IPF pathogenesis and a promising therapeutic target. Elevated burdens of pathogenic bacteria, including Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid correlate with accelerated progression and higher mortality. These bacteria release toxins and activate Th17-driven inflammation, providing mechanistic links to alveolar injury and fibrosis. Host genetics and systemic factors, including oral-gut-lung interactions, further shape disease progression. Although antibiotic trials have been unsuccessful, embracing the microbiome as an active participant in IPF may open unprecedented opportunities for personalized interventions.
Insights
The lung microbiome plays a key role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) development and progression. Targeting pathogenic bacteria in the lung may offer new personalized treatment strategies for IPF.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has a poor prognosis with limited treatment options.
- Early biomarkers for IPF are lacking, hindering timely diagnosis and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the lung microbiome in IPF pathogenesis.
- To explore the potential of the lung microbiome as a therapeutic target for IPF.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on IPF and the lung microbiome.
- Analysis of studies correlating bacterial burdens with IPF progression and mortality.
- Examination of mechanistic links between bacteria, inflammation, and lung injury.
Main Results:
- Elevated levels of bacteria like Streptococcus and Staphylococcus in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid are linked to faster IPF progression and increased mortality.
- Bacterial toxins and Th17-driven inflammation contribute to alveolar injury and fibrosis in IPF.
- Host genetics and oral-gut-lung axis interactions influence IPF disease course.
Conclusions:
- The lung microbiome is a significant factor in IPF pathogenesis.
- Modulating the lung microbiome presents a novel avenue for personalized IPF therapies.
- Further research into microbiome-targeted interventions is warranted for IPF treatment.
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