The Role of the Microbiome in Asthma: The Gut–Lung Axis

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Cristoforo Incorvaia¹  Cristina Salvatori²  Alessandro Bellucci²  Franco Frati²  Giuseppe Di Cara²  Francesco Marcucci²  Susanna Esposito² 

[1] Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation, ASST G. Pini/CTO, 20122 Milano, Italy;Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;

关键词: asthma;    atopy;    gut microbiota;    immunity;    lung microbiota;    microbiome;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms20010123

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases worldwide. It affects all ages but frequently begins in childhood. Initiation and exacerbations may depend on individual susceptibility, viral infections, allergen exposure, tobacco smoke exposure, and outdoor air pollution. The aim of this review was to analyze the role of the gut–lung axis in asthma development, considering all asthma phenotypes, and to evaluate whether microbe-based therapies may be used for asthma prevention. Several studies have confirmed the role of microbiota in the regulation of immune function and the development of atopy and asthma. These clinical conditions have apparent roots in an insufficiency of early life exposure to the diverse environmental microbiota necessary to ensure colonization of the gastrointestinal and/or respiratory tracts. Commensal microbes are necessary for the induction of a balanced, tolerogenic immune system. The identification of commensal bacteria in both the gastroenteric and respiratory tracts could be an innovative and important issue. In conclusion, the function of microbiota in healthy immune response is generally acknowledged, and gut dysbacteriosis might result in chronic inflammatory respiratory disorders, particularly asthma. Further investigations are needed to improve our understanding of the role of the microbiome in inflammation and its influence on important risk factors for asthma, including tobacco smoke and host genetic features.

【 授权许可】

Unknown