The case for microbial intervention at weaning

Weaning, the transition from a milk-based diet to solid food, coincides with the most significant shift in gut microbiome composition in the lifetime of most mammals. Notably, this period also marks a "window of opportunity" where key components of the immune system develop, and host-micro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Gut microbes 2024-12, Vol.16 (1), p.2414798
Main Authors: Flores, Julia N., Lubin, Jean-Bernard, Silverman, Michael A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Bacteria - classification
Bacteria - genetics
Bacteria - isolation & purification
Bacteria - metabolism
complementary feeding
Diet
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Host Microbial Interactions
Humans
immune system development
Intestines - immunology
Intestines - microbiology
microbial ecology
Microbiome
probiotics
Probiotics - administration & dosage
Review
Weaning
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Summary:Weaning, the transition from a milk-based diet to solid food, coincides with the most significant shift in gut microbiome composition in the lifetime of most mammals. Notably, this period also marks a "window of opportunity" where key components of the immune system develop, and host-microbe interactions shape long-term immune homeostasis thereby influencing the risk of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the changes in nutrition, microbiota, and host physiology that occur during weaning. We explore how these weaning-associated processes differ across species, lifestyles, and regions of the intestine. Using prinicples of microbial ecology, we propose that the weaning transition is an optimal period for microbiome-targeted therapeutic interventions. Additionally, we suggest that replicating features of the weaning microbiome in adults could promote the successful engraftment of probiotics. Finally, we highlight key research areas that could deepen our understanding of the complex relationships between diet, commensal microbes, and the host, informing the development of more effective microbial therapies.
ISSN:1949-0976
1949-0984
1949-0984
DOI:10.1080/19490976.2024.2414798