Microbiota-fibroblasts interactions in multi-organ fibrosis

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Pathology
• Immunology

Background:

• Fibrosis is a key feature of chronic diseases, involving fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix deposition.
• The human microbiome and host interact as a system, with microbial signals influencing tissue remodeling.
• Emerging research highlights the role of the microbiota-fibroblast axis in fibrotic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the microbiota-fibroblast axis and its role in regulating fibroblast activation and fibrogenesis.
• To explore how microbial signals from various niches contribute to fibrosis across multiple organs.
• To organize these interactions within interconnected regulatory networks and evaluate therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

• Literature review integrating evidence from multiple microbial niches (oral, gut, lung).
• Analysis of direct and indirect mechanisms of microbiota-host interactions in fibrosis.
• Evaluation of correlative evidence linking microbial dysbiosis to fibrosis progression.

Main Results:

• Microbial components (bacteria, viruses, metabolites) regulate fibroblast activation and fibrogenesis.
• Interactions across organ systems (e.g., gut-liver, oral-heart) contribute to fibrosis.
• Microbial dysbiosis is linked to the progression of fibrotic diseases.

Conclusions:

• The microbiota-fibroblast axis is a critical regulator of fibrotic diseases.
• Targeting microbial-host interactions presents a promising therapeutic avenue for fibrotic conditions.
• A holobiont perspective is essential for understanding and treating fibrosis.