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Review
. 2021 Jun;64(6):942-956.
doi: 10.1007/s11427-020-1847-7. Epub 2021 Jan 27.

Gut microbiota in antiviral strategy from bats to humans: a missing link in COVID-19

Jia Luo  1 , Shan Liang  2 , Feng Jin  3
Affiliations
Review

Gut microbiota in antiviral strategy from bats to humans: a missing link in COVID-19

Jia Luo et al. Sci China Life Sci. 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Bats are a potential natural reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 virus and other viruses detrimental to humans. Accumulated evidence has shown that, in their adaptation to a flight-based lifestyle, remodeling of the gut microbiota in bats may have contributed to immune tolerance to viruses. This evidence from bats provides profound insights into the potential influence of gut microbiota in COVID-19 disease in humans. Here, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota helps bats tolerate deadly viruses, and summarize the current clinical evidence on the influence of gut microbiota on the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and risk of COVID-19 leading to a fatal outcome. In addition, we discuss the implications of gut microbiota-targeted approaches for preventing infection and reducing disease severity in COVID-19 patients.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; anti-inflammatory; antiviral; bat; gut microbiota.

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