Gut microbiota as a weapon against infections

Human contains trillions of microbes in the gastrointestinal tract that live in symbiotic
relationship with us. Previous studies confirmed that these beneficial (commensals)
microbes participate in combating pathogenic infections either by direct or indirect
mechanisms.
Infections are significant threat to human health globally. Gut microbes can influence
the host susceptibility to pathogenic infections. For instance, the phenomenon of
colonization resistance by commensals and their direct antimicrobial activity helps in
excluding pathogens. Further, indirectly, they also prime host immune responses
required to defend against infections. Interestingly, gut microbes or their microbial
components are involved in the induction of innate immune memory (trained immunity)
that can be protective in infections.
The intricate balance between commensals and pathogenic microbes is the key to
human health. However, several environmental factors, including antibiotics exposure,
or diet can disturb this balance, leading to microbiota disruption. Consequently, this can
cause enhanced susceptibility or impairment of host defense responses to infection.
Strategies targeting or manipulating gut microbes to improve their beneficial effects can
serve as an effective therapeutic weapon against pathogens. Thus, it is important to
understand in depth the involved mechanisms employed by gut microbiota to modulate
host immunity.
This research topic aims to cover recent research highlighting the role of gut microbiota
in defense against infections including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary. In
the current research topic, we invite Reviews, Research articles, and Perspectives focusing on the beneficial role of gut microbiota in combating infections.