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Role of the Microbiome in Allergic Disease Development

  • Allergies and the Environment (T Moran, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Evidence suggests that the microbiome of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and airway contribute to health and disease. As we learn more about the role that the microbiota plays in allergic disease development, we can develop therapeutics to alter this pathway.

Recent Findings

Epidemiologic studies reveal that an association exists between environmental exposures, which alter the microbiota, and developing atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and/or asthma. In fact, samples from the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory tract reveal distinct microbiotas compared with healthy controls, with microbial changes (dysbiosis) often preceding the development of allergic disease. Mechanistic studies have confirmed that microbes can either promote skin, gut, and airway health by strengthening barrier integrity, or they can alter skin integrity and damage gut and airway epithelium.

Summary

In this review, we will discuss recent studies that reveal the link between the microbiota and immune development, and we will discuss ways to influence these changes.

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Funding

The following grants supported this research:

1. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) K23 Career development Award 1 K23 AI135094-01

2. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) Foundation Faculty Development Award

3. National Institute of Health Loan Repayment Program L40 AI096442

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Indiana School of Medicine, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, RI 2606, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Andrea C. Aguilera & Kirsten M. Kloepfer

  2. Indiana University School of Medicine, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, RI 2606, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Isabelle A. Dagher & Kirsten M. Kloepfer

  3. Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, RI 2606, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Kirsten M. Kloepfer

Authors
  1. Andrea C. Aguilera
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  2. Isabelle A. Dagher
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  3. Kirsten M. Kloepfer
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Correspondence to Kirsten M. Kloepfer.

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Aguilera, A.C., Dagher, I.A. & Kloepfer, K.M. Role of the Microbiome in Allergic Disease Development. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 20, 44 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-020-00944-2

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