The human gut microbiome plays a key role in regulating immune responses and overall health, affecting digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system balance. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the microbiota, can disrupt immune development and increase the risk of asthma and other allergic diseases. Recent research suggests that targeting the gut microbiome, including using probiotics and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), could influence immune responses and help manage asthma. Emerging therapies aim to harness these interactions, highlighting the potential of microbiome modulation in asthma treatment.
Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hyperreactivity, is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, including the gut microbiome. Disruptions to the microbiome early in life, such as those caused by antibiotics or lack of breastfeeding, can increase asthma risk. The balance of microbial species in the gut, like Bacteroides fragilis and segmented filamentous bacteria, impacts immune responses and airway inflammation. Evidence supports the potential benefits of modifying the microbiome through dietary changes, prebiotics, and probiotics to manage asthma. However, further research is needed to establish effective microbiome-targeted asthma therapies.
Reference: Liu Y, Dai J, Zhou G, et al. Innovative Therapeutic Strategies for Asthma: The Role of Gut Microbiome in Airway Immunity. J Asthma Allergy. 2025 Feb 20;18:257-267. doi: 10.2147/JAA.S504571. PMID: 39996012; PMCID: PMC11849427.
