Epigenetic modifications allow cells to change gene expression without altering the genetic code, by dynamically regulating chromatin accessibility, which is controlled by the activity of associated enzymes such as DNA/histone methyltransferases and histone acetyltransferases. This represents a potent mechanism through which mammalian hosts adapt their transcriptional program to environmental cues.

Indeed, trillions of commensal microbes, termed microbiota, along with their metabolites and their signaling, are environmental stimuli that can direct host health and disease. They are being increasingly recognized as a source of epigenetic substrates, cofactors, and regulators of epigenetic-modifying enzymes. Recent research has shown that perturbation of microbiota-host interactions with pathologies of inflammatory diseases or metabolic syndrome correlated with altered epigenetic patterning. Microbiota-sensitive epigenetic mechanisms may include synthesizing biological compounds that affect the availability of methyl/ acetyl donors for DNA or histone modifications; modulating epigenetic modifying enzyme activity; influencing host-cell intrinsic epigenetic pathways; or regulating non-coding RNAs. Nevertheless, a deeper understanding of this epigenetic regulation is required in guiding therapeutic approaches to prevent or combat diseases driven by disrupted microbiota-host crosstalk.

This Research Topic aims to collect contributions of high scientific quality that focus on the mechanistic understanding of microbiota-host epigenome interactions in health and disease and identifying novel therapeutic strategies using concepts learned regarding epigenetic regulation.
We welcome the submission of manuscripts either describing original research, reviews, or perspectives. A range of issues are of interest, including, but not limited to:

· Exploring the chromatin dynamics in the microbiome-host crosstalk in the gut.
· Identifying microbiota-derived molecules on the host epigenome and their physiological implications.
· Identifying bacterial species-specific epigenetic modifications that modulate unique gene expression signatures.
· Advanced mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in inflammation and immunity.
· Dysbiosis of gut microbiota and the impact on epigenetic regulation in inflammatory disease.
· Epigenetic patterns that could be used as diagnostic tools to link microbiota composition changes in metabolic health and diseases.
· Advanced methodology to examine epigenetic markers and their regulation in response to microbiota changes.
· Microbiota-manipulative bioactive compounds or epigenetic substrates that could represent new therapeutic strategies for preventing diseases.

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Frontiers in Immunology

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