Lung microbiome dynamics in health and lung cancer

Abstract

Application of culture-independent sequencing technologies has revealed the presence of a low-biomass, high-diversity microbiome within healthy human lungs. This community is highly dynamic, with microbes constantly being introduced into and cleared from healthy airways, and its multifaceted roles in lung physiology and disease are currently a matter of intensive investigation. In view of the rising lung cancer incidence and mortality rates, a large amount of research has already been conducted in the context of lung cancer, suggesting an association between lung cancer and local dysbiosis. In light of these developments, this review summarizes and discusses existing knowledge on lung microbiome dynamics and composition in health and how these differ in lung cancer patients, focusing on the latest research. Throughout this effort, frequently reported alterations and associated microbe-host interactions in lung cancer development and progression are highlighted, along with some critical methodological considerations, outstanding questions and suggestions for the future.

Keywords: dysbiosis; lung; lung cancer; microbe–host interaction; microbiome; sequencing.

Fig. 1.. Microbial communities of different biomass and composition are present in various tissues of the human body, influencing several aspects of human physiology either locally or via systemic interactions (e.g. gut microbiome–brain axis). Image created through Servier Medical Art.