Microbiome-based interventions to modulate gut ecology and the immune system

Thomas C. A. Hitch, Lindsay J. Hall, Sarah Kate Walsh, Gabriel E. Leventhal, Emma Slack, Tomas de Wouters, Jens Walter, Thomas Clavel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

54 Citations (Scopus)
15 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The gut microbiome lies at the intersection between the environment and the host, with the ability to modify host responses to disease-relevant exposures and stimuli. This is evident in how enteric microbes interact with the immune system, e.g., supporting immune maturation in early life, affecting drug efficacy via modulation of immune responses, or influencing development of immune cell populations and their mediators. Many factors modulate gut ecosystem dynamics during daily life and we are just beginning to realise the therapeutic and prophylactic potential of microbiome-based interventions. These approaches vary in application, goal, and mechanisms of action. Some modify the entire community, such as nutritional approaches or faecal microbiota transplantation, while others, such as phage therapy, probiotics, and prebiotics, target specific taxa or strains. In this review, we assessed the experimental evidence for microbiome-based interventions, with a particular focus on their clinical relevance, ecological effects, and modulation of the immune system.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1095–1113
Number of pages19
JournalMucosal Immunology
Volume15
Issue number6
Early online date30 Sept 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2022

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