Host microbe cross-talk in the lung microenvironment: implications for understanding and treating chronic lung disease

Reinoud Gosens, Pieter S. Hiemstra, Ian M. Adcock, Ken R. Bracke, Robert P. Dickson, Philip M. Hansbro, Susanne Krauss-Etschmann, Hermelijn H. Smits, Frank R. M. Stassen, Sabine Bartel*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Chronic respiratory diseases are highly prevalent worldwide and will continue to rise in the foreseeable future. Despite intensive efforts over recent decades, the development of novel and effective therapeutic approaches has been slow. However, there is new and increasing evidence that communities of micro-organisms in our body, the human microbiome, are crucially involved in the development and progression of chronic respiratory diseases. Understanding the detailed mechanisms underlying this cross-talk between host and microbiota is critical for development of microbiome- or host-targeted therapeutics and prevention strategies. Here we review and discuss the most recent knowledge on the continuous reciprocal interaction between the host and microbes in health and respiratory disease. Furthermore, we highlight promising developments in microbiome-based therapies and discuss the need to employ more holistic approaches of restoring both the pulmonary niche and the microbial community.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1902320
Number of pages14
JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal
Volume56
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2020

Keywords

  • OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY-DISEASE
  • OUTER-MEMBRANE VESICLES
  • ALLERGIC AIRWAY DISEASE
  • INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA
  • GUT MICROBIOTA
  • IMMUNE-RESPONSES
  • HAEMOPHILUS-INFLUENZAE
  • RESPIRATORY MICROBIOTA
  • EPITHELIAL-CELLS
  • CYSTIC-FIBROSIS

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