Host-microbiome interaction modulation

Host-microbiome interaction modulation refers to the purposeful or incidental alteration of the dynamic crosstalk between a host and its associated microbiome using dietary, pharmaceutical, microbial, or genetic interventions. Such modulation aims to restore or optimize homeostasis, influence disease outcomes, or investigate specific biological mechanisms. The modulation can impact immune responses, metabolism, barrier function, and neurological processes, and is being explored as a therapeutic strategy for a wide spectrum of diseases including inflammatory, metabolic, neurological, and infectious conditions. However, it is not a classical drug target such as a protein or receptor, but a holistic network involving multiple genes, signaling molecules, cells, and environmental factors.

Other names

host-microbiota interaction modulationhost-microbiome crosstalkmicrobiome modulationmicrobiota-host interaction

Mechanism of action includes modulation of immune response via microbial metabolites; shaping host signaling pathways/metabolite production; alteration of gut barrier integrity and function; suppression or activation of inflammation through immune signaling; crosstalk with the central nervous system (brain-gut axis); and restoration or disruption of microbial community structure.