Exploring the human archaeome: its relevance for health and disease, and its complex interplay with the human immune system

Abstract

This Review aims to coalesce existing knowledge on the human archaeome, a less‐studied yet critical non‐bacterial component of the human microbiome, with a focus on its interaction with the immune system. Despite a largely bacteria‐centric focus in microbiome research, archaea present unique challenges and opportunities for understanding human health. We examine the archaeal distribution across different human body sites, such as the lower gastrointestinal tract (LGT), upper aerodigestive tract (UAT), urogenital tract (UGT), and skin. Variability in archaeal composition exists between sites; methanogens dominate the LGT, while Nitrososphaeria are prevalent on the skin and UAT. Archaea have yet to be classified as pathogens but show associations with conditions such as refractory sinusitis and vaginosis. In the LGT, methanogenic archaea play critical metabolic roles by converting bacterial end‐products into methane, correlating with various health conditions, including obesity and certain cancers. Finally, this work looks at the complex interactions between archaea and the human immune system at the molecular level. Recent research has illuminated the roles of specific archaeal molecules, such as RNA and glycerolipids, in stimulating immune responses via innate immune receptors like Toll‐like receptor 8 (TLR8) and ‘C‐type lectin domain family 4 member E’ (CLEC4E; also known as MINCLE). Additionally, metabolic by‐products of archaea, specifically methane, have demonstrated immunomodulatory effects through anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative pathways. Despite these advancements, the mechanistic underpinnings of how archaea influence immune activity remain a fertile area for further investigation.