Could changes in the human microbiome, driven by modern lifestyles, be behind the increase in allergic and immunological diseases?
Question:
Could changes in the human microbiome, driven by modern lifestyles, be behind the increase in allergic and immunological diseases?
Answer:
Yes, changes in the human microbiome driven by modern lifestyles are strongly implicated in the increasing prevalence of allergic and immunological diseases. Recent research highlights how factors such as urbanization, dietary shifts, widespread antibiotic use, and reduced exposure to environmental microbes disrupt the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota. This disruption, known as dysbiosis, negatively impacts the development and regulation of the immune system, resulting in greater susceptibility to allergic conditions (1). In fact, modern lifestyle factors play a significant role in promoting gut microbiota dysbiosis, which has been linked not only to atopic diseases but also to metabolic syndrome, inflammatory disorders, cancer, and even certain behavioral conditions (2). The establishment of a healthy gut microbiome during early life is especially critical for proper immune system maturation. Additionally, microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are vital for maintaining gut-brain communication and overall physiological balance (3).To better understand and address these complex interactions, two complementary reductionist strategies are commonly employed. One approach begins with the identification of an immune phenotype and narrows down the microbiota to isolate the effector bacteria responsible. The other starts with bacterial-derived molecules and metabolites and investigates their influence on the host immune system. Together, these approaches form the foundation for the rational design of microbiota- and metabolite-based therapies aimed at restoring immune function and mitigating disease (4).
Yes, changes in the human microbiome driven by modern lifestyles are strongly implicated in the increasing prevalence of allergic and immunological diseases. Recent research highlights how factors such as urbanization, dietary shifts, widespread antibiotic use, and reduced exposure to environmental microbes disrupt the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota. This disruption, known as dysbiosis, negatively impacts the development and regulation of the immune system, resulting in greater susceptibility to allergic conditions (1). In fact, modern lifestyle factors play a significant role in promoting gut microbiota dysbiosis, which has been linked not only to atopic diseases but also to metabolic syndrome, inflammatory disorders, cancer, and even certain behavioral conditions (2). The establishment of a healthy gut microbiome during early life is especially critical for proper immune system maturation. Additionally, microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are vital for maintaining gut-brain communication and overall physiological balance (3).To better understand and address these complex interactions, two complementary reductionist strategies are commonly employed. One approach begins with the identification of an immune phenotype and narrows down the microbiota to isolate the effector bacteria responsible. The other starts with bacterial-derived molecules and metabolites and investigates their influence on the host immune system. Together, these approaches form the foundation for the rational design of microbiota- and metabolite-based therapies aimed at restoring immune function and mitigating disease (4).
Answered by:
Obert Marin, MSc
Peruvian Society of Immunology (SPI)
References
- Pascal M, Perez-Gordo M, Caballero T, Escribese MM, Lopez N, Luengo O, et al. Microbiome and Allergic Diseases. Frontiers in Immunology. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2018.01584/full
- Álvarez J, Fernández Real JM, Guarner F, Gueimonde M, Rodríguez JM, Saenz de Pipaon M, et al. Gut microbes and health. Gastroenterología y Hepatología (English Edition). Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2444382421001450
- Silva YP, Bernardi A, Frozza RL. The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids From Gut Microbiota in Gut-Brain Communication. Frontiers in Endocrinology. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2020.00025/full
- Skelly AN, Sato Y, Kearney S, Honda K. Mining the microbiota for microbial and metabolite-based immunotherapies. Nature reviews Immunology. Available from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41577-019-0144-5