Human matters in asthma: Considering the microbiome in pulmonary health

Abstract

Graphical AbstractExogenous factors that influence the microbiome and asthma pathogenesis. External factors including a well-balanced diet and clean air support a healthy gut microbiome that releases metabolites and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) that promote a healthy pulmonary immune system that remains non-inflammatory thereby protecting against the development of asthma or asthma exacerbations (left panel). An unhealthy diet, dirty air, and some pharmaceutical agents on the other hand can induce dysbiosis in the gut and lung microbial communities through induction of co-morbid states like obesity and aberrant immune activation. Additional confounders including modes of delivery and feeding, use of antibiotics during pregnancy and childhood also have an impact on the airway microbial homeostasis and asthma onset and pathogenesis (right panel). Figure prepared on BioRender.