Respiratory mucosal microbiota

The **respiratory mucosal microbiota** comprises the diverse community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that inhabit the mucosal surfaces of the human respiratory tract, including both the upper (nasal passages, sinuses, pharynx) and lower (trachea, bronchi, lungs) airways[1][2]. This microbiota is critical for maintaining respiratory health by providing colonization resistance against pathogens, modulating mucus barrier and immune responses, and contributing to immune training and tolerance[1][2][3]. Dysbiosis (imbalance) of these communities is implicated in respiratory infections, chronic inflammation, asthma, and other lung diseases[2][3]. Unlike classic molecular targets, the respiratory mucosal microbiota defines an ecological system whose composition and function can influence host susceptibility to disease.

Other names

Respiratory tract microbiotaRespiratory mucosal microbial communityRespiratory microbiomeLung microbiotaUpper respiratory tract microbiotaLower respiratory tract microbiota