Gut–lung axis (GLA)

The gut–lung axis is a conceptual and physiological framework referring to the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory system, primarily mediated by host and microbial factors. It encompasses reciprocal exchange of microorganisms, microbial metabolites, and immunomodulatory signals between the gut and lungs. This axis is essential for maintaining immune homeostasis, influencing susceptibility to and progression of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, and shaping responses to infection, inflammation, and immunotherapy. Alterations in the gut microbiota ("dysbiosis") or increased gut permeability ("leaky gut") can impact lung health, contributing to diseases such as asthma, COPD, respiratory infections, and even lung cancer via systemic immune modulation. While not a molecule or receptor, the gut–lung axis has become a focus in precision medicine, with microbiome profiling and targeted microbiota interventions representing promising future therapeutic strategies.

Other names

Gut–lung axisgut-lung cross-talkgut-lung pathwaygut-lung microbiome axis

No drugs directly target the gut–lung axis. Various drugs/therapies may influence the axis indirectly by modulating its components, such as microbiota modulators, antibiotics, probiotics, dietary fibers, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Immunotherapies may also indirectly impact the axis.