Nasal–Gut Microbiome Axis in Health and Disease
Date
Authors
Alao, Jude Oluwapelumi
Bamigboye, Favour Oluwadara
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
The nasal and gut microbiomes are recognised as key regulators of mucosal and systemic immunity. While each has been studied extensively in isolation, evidence suggests they are connected through a bidirectional network of immune signalling, microbial metabolites, and barrier integrity, forming what may be termed “the nasal–gut microbiome axis”. This review synthesises current knowledge on the composition and function of these microbiomes, highlighting shared features, environmental influences, and patterns of dysbiosis observed in conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis. We examine potential mechanisms of cross-talk, including cytokine and chemokine exchange, short-chain fatty acid mediated epigenetic regulation, and dendritic cell–driven immune priming across mucosal sites. Clinical implications are explored, with particular attention to dual-site microbiome modulation strategies, concurrent nasal–gut microbial profiling for diagnostics, and microbiome-informed precision therapies. Despite promising early evidence, knowledge gaps persist, particularly the scarcity of longitudinal, multi-omic studies and mechanistic human data. Framing the nasal and gut microbiomes as components of an integrated mucosal network, this review aims to advance understanding of their connection, and encourage research that could transform prevention and treatment strategies for immune-mediated respiratory disease.Description
Keywords
Microbiota, Gastrointestinal microbiome, Nasal cavity/microbiology, Immune system, Dysbiosis, Short-chain fatty acids, Respiratory tract diseases/microbiology
Source
Medicine in Microecology, ISSN: 2590-0978 (Print); 2590-0978 (Online), Elsevier, 100153-100153. doi: 10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100153
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© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Creative Commons. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons CC-BY license, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. You are not required to obtain permission to reuse this article.