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The Muco-Microbiotic Layer in Respiratory Pathophysiology: Integrating Transcriptomics, Inflammation Phenotypes, and
Claudio Candia1,2, Adelaide Carista2, Melania Ionelia Gratie2
1Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit of Telese Terme Institute, 82037 Telese Terme, Italy.
Biology
|May 12, 2026
Summary
The muco-microbiotic (MuMi) layer in lower airways is key to respiratory health, integrating host-microbe interactions. Understanding its gene activity and extracellular vesicles (EVs) advances precision pulmonology for diseases like asthma and COPD.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- The lower airways host a dynamic muco-microbiotic (MuMi) layer, crucial for respiratory health and disease.
- This layer, comprising mucus, microbes, and extracellular vesicles (EVs), actively mediates host-microbe communication.
- Transcriptomic and metatranscriptomic analyses reveal microbial gene activity, not just presence, links to airway inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the MuMi layer in lower airway diseases.
- To highlight the significance of EV-associated RNAs in host-microbe signaling.
- To propose the MuMi layer as central to precision pulmonology.
Main Methods:
- Review of transcriptomic and metatranscriptomic data.
- Analysis of extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated RNAs.
- Integration of multi-omic approaches.
Main Results:
- The MuMi layer integrates epithelial, microbial, and immune functions.
- EV-RNAs act as critical messengers influencing airway responses.
- Distinct gene expression profiles and biomarkers (e.g., exhaled nitric oxide) correlate with specific disease mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- The MuMi layer is pivotal for understanding asthma and COPD pathogenesis.
- Multi-omic studies of the MuMi layer facilitate disease classification and biomarker discovery.
- Focusing on the MuMi interface enables personalized treatment strategies in respiratory diseases.
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