Microbiota-mediated colonization resistance: mechanisms and regulation

A dense and diverse microbial community inhabits the gut and many epithelial surfaces. Referred to as the microbiota, it co-evolved with the host and is beneficial for many host physiological processes. A major function of these symbiotic microorganisms is protection against pathogen colonization an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature reviews. Microbiology 2023-06, Vol.21 (6), p.347-360
Main Authors: Caballero-Flores, Gustavo, Pickard, Joseph M., Núñez, Gabriel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
631/326/2565
631/326/41
631/326/421
Amino acids
Antibiotics
Bacteria
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Colonization
Competition
Dysbacteriosis
Immune response
Immunity
Infectious Diseases
Large intestine
Life Sciences
Medical Microbiology
Metabolism
Microbiology
Microbiota
Microorganisms
Nature
Nutrients
Parasitology
Pathogens
Review Article
Symbionts
Virology
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Description
Summary:A dense and diverse microbial community inhabits the gut and many epithelial surfaces. Referred to as the microbiota, it co-evolved with the host and is beneficial for many host physiological processes. A major function of these symbiotic microorganisms is protection against pathogen colonization and overgrowth of indigenous pathobionts. Dysbiosis of the normal microbial community increases the risk of pathogen infection and overgrowth of harmful pathobionts. The protective mechanisms conferred by the microbiota are complex and include competitive microbial–microbial interactions and induction of host immune responses. Pathogens, in turn, have evolved multiple strategies to subvert colonization resistance conferred by the microbiota. Understanding the mechanisms by which microbial symbionts limit pathogen colonization should guide the development of new therapeutic approaches to prevent or treat disease. In this Review, Caballero-Flores, Pickard and Núñez explore how the microbiota limits colonization by pathogens and the strategies used by pathogens to counter colonization resistance.
ISSN:1740-1526
1740-1534
DOI:10.1038/s41579-022-00833-7