Dynamic Interplay Between Microbiota and Mucosal Immunity in Early Shaping of Asthma and its Implication for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The crosstalk between host immunity and the external environment in the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts in bronchial asthma has recently been scrutinized. There is compelling evidence that the microbiota at these sites may play an important role in the pathogenesis of this chronic airway disease. The appearance of bacteria early in life in the gut before dissemination to the airways plays a pivotal role in shaping mucosal immunity. Loss of microbial diversity or dysbiosis can result in aberrant immune-mediated inflammation and mucosal barrier disruption, which coincides clinically with the successive development of the “allergic march” in asthma. Microbial manipulation may be effective in curbing asthma development by indirectly preserving homeostatic epithelial barrier functions. The protective effects and mechanisms of immunity-microbiome crosstalk at mucosal sites require further investigation to identify therapeutic and preventive measures in asthma. This topical review aims to highlight new evidence that compromised epithelial barrier function, which results in deregulated crosstalk between the microbiome and host mucosal immune system, is an important disease mechanism in asthma. In the light of current COVID-19 pandemic, the collective findings on the impact of mucosal microbiota on the suceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity of COVID-19 is explored. The possible therapeutic implications to target these abnormalities are further discussed.

Background

Asthma is an airway disease that currently affects more than 300 million people worldwide.¹ This chronic respiratory condition is characterized by a spectrum of clinical phenotypes and a range of underlying molecular mechanisms called endotypes.² Consequently, this heterogeneous group of clinical presentations should not be thought of as a single disease but instead a spectrum of conditions with some overlapping characteristics. At the molecular level, asthma is divided into two categories: atopic and non-atopic asthma.³ Atopic asthma is characterized by type 2 inflammation, driven by IgE hypersensitivity to aeroallergen, chemoattraction of granulocytes, hyper-activation of airway epithelial cells and subsequent remodeling of the epithelium.⁴ Besides these well-established mechanisms, recent evidence has implicated developmental microbial exposure in the pathogenesis of asthma.⁵

The “hygiene-hypothesis”, which was first proposed in 1989,⁶ suggested that while exposure to pathogens educates the immune system to avoid invoking allergic reactions, an environment that is too clean increases the risk of developing atopic conditions. Pathogens are naturally acquired during development in several ways. For example, neonates are exposed to maternal vaginal and intestinal flora during childbirth, which are important for priming the early immune system (Figure 1).⁷ Furthermore, contact with soil and animals can increase exposure to pathogens during the early years of life.⁸ Unfortunately, the increased number of cesarean section deliveries and the loss of contact with soil and animals have interrupted these early exposures. Additionally, the use of antibiotics and acid-suppressing agents during the first 6 months of infancy has been associated with a significantly increased risk of developing allergic diseases and asthma.⁹

Figure 1.

Early shaping of bronchial asthma by microbial exposure. Early-life microbial transfer occurs in utero and during childbirth (maternal intestinal and vaginal flora), during breast feeding (maternal milk microbiome) and contact with animals and soil (environmental microorganisms). These mechanisms allow colonization of commensals during early life. Failure to properly establish early symbiotic relationship with commensals results in dysbiosis and predisposes the host to allergic inflammation and bronchial asthma.

In congruence with this long-standing “hygiene hypothesis”, recent studies emphasize the novel role of the mucosal microbiome in the education of the immature immune system and, subsequently, in the development or prevention of allergic sensitization.^10,11 The term microbiome refers to the collective genomes of all micro-organisms symbiotically existing within the human body. These organisms consist of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa that take residence on the outer (skin, hair, nail) as well as inner mucosal surfaces (gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts) of the body. While previously thought to be sterile, our intestinal tracts are in fact replete with bacteria that have been acquired via early-life pathogen exposure.^12,13 Similarly, the previously accepted idea of “sterile lungs” has been challenged by the discovery of the respiratory tract microbiome, demonstrated by the introduction of the lung tissues into the Human Microbiome Project.^13,14 Disruption of homeostatic microbial colonization at these sites results in an imbalanced microbiota and a loss of microbial diversity, termed dysbiosis, and is a shared etiology of emerging hypotheses about the role of microbiota in asthma development.¹⁵ This dysbiosis results in mucosal barrier dysfunction, which is a postulated cause and/or consequence of inflammatory processes in childhood asthma.¹⁶ Mechanistically, abnormal microbial movement through those disrupted mucosal barriers and the subsequent aberrant interactions with the host immune system dictate, at least in part, susceptibility to focal as well as systemic inflammatory responses and asthma development.^17,18 A better appreciation of how these mechanisms interconnect is critical for enhancing our understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma and aiding the development of early intervention methods.

This topical review outlines the role of mucosal barrier dysfunction and details the mechanisms of crosstalk between the gastrointestinal-airway microbiome and mucosal immunity in the pathogenesis of asthma. Finally, their potential therapeutic implications in asthma are discussed.

The Mucosal Epithelial Barrier

Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Epithelium

The intestinal mucosa is one of the largest surface areas in the body and comes into direct contact with the external environment.¹⁹ It serves the dual function of being semipermeable to water and nutrients while always preventing access of potentially harmful microbial organisms and large molecules from the lumen. Structurally, it consists of multiple layers that form physical barriers (epithelial and mucosal layers) and immunological defenses (lamina propria). Each layer and their cellular components play different but complimentary roles in host barrier defenses (Figure 2).

Figure 2.

Immunity-microbiome crosstalks at gastrointestinal tract. Schematic diagram depicting the gut mucosa illustrated with the various structural and immunological barriers and defenses. The intestinal mucosa consists of an epithelial layer lined by an inner mucus layer and an underlying lamina propria. The epithelial layer forms a physical barrier, facilitated by intracellular tight junctions, various cell types and their secretory products. Paneth cells produce protective antimicrobial peptides, while goblet cells produce mucin, the major component of the mucus coating. The mucus layer is rich in microbial colonies, which can synthesize immunomodulatory molecules such as SCFAs. The lamina propria are rich in immune cells that play a fundamental role in immune surveillance. Dendritic cells transmit environmental signals to activated plasma cells to produce protective secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). A leaky intestinal barrier can lead to displaced food antigens in the lamina propria, which in turn can activate Th2 Cell and class-switch B cells to produce specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) production, causing sensitization to food allergens.

On the luminal side, the epithelial layer is lined by a gel-like mucus coating that consists primarily of antimicrobial molecules (antimicrobial peptides secreted from Paneth cells and other glycosylated mucin proteins from goblet cells), secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and nutrient metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (Figure 2). The mucus layer protects the delicate linings of the gut, and along with the microbial colonies residing here, it provides an interface between the epithelial layer and the exterior environment.²⁰ The inner part of the mucus layer keeps the epithelium and intestinal crypts germ-free and in complete isolation from non-self antigens, while commensal organisms in the outer coat compete with pathogenic organisms for nutrients and space.²¹

Similar to the gastrointestinal mucosa, the lung performs the dual function of blocking potential pathogens and harmful substances while simultaneously allowing the exchange of gases across its barrier. The integrity of the environmental barrier is maintained by various factors that differ significantly in structure and function from one compartment of the airway to the other. These factors include a combination of airway epithelial cells, surfactants, and structural proteins. The surfactant system consists of different types of secretory products of type II alveolar epithelial cells. They are formed by a distinct mixture of phospholipids (90%) and protein (10%), which significantly contributes to the regulation of airway fluid balance, airway clearance, resistance to inhaled agents, and other immunomodulatory functions in asthma (Table 1).^22,23

Table 1.

Surfactants Involved in the Regulation of Airway Barrier Function

Molecules	Types	Function	Regulator/Influencer (Effect)
SP-A	Collectins	Immunomodulatory	Binding IgE, pollen grain/Suppressing IL-8, histamine, T cell proliferation
SP-B	Saposins	Fluid balance, airway clearance	Downregulated by IL-4
SP-C	Saposins	Fluid balance, airway clearance	Downregulated by IL-5
SP-D	Collectins	Immunomodulatory	Binding IgE, pollen grain, mite allergens/Suppressing T cell proliferation

Abbreviation: SP, surfactant protein.

Besides surfactants, airway junctional structures consist of tight junctions (TJs) and an underlying layer, which further supports the barrier function, called the adherens junctions (Table 2).^24,25

Table 2.

Intercellular Structural Proteins Involved in the Regulation of Airway Barrier Function

Class of Structural Protein	Types	Function	Regulator/Influencer (Effect)
Tight junctions	Claudin Occludin	Epithelial junction	Oncostatin M gene (Disrupting TJ junction)
Adherens junction	E-cadherin Nectin	Epithelial junction	Caveolin-1 (Stabilizing E-cadherin, increasing TSLP)
Cytosolic plaques	α-catenin β-catenin ZO-1/2/3	Epithelial junction	Caveolin-1 (Stabilizing β-catenin)

Abbreviations: TJs, tight junctions; ZO, zonula occludens.

The Mucosal Immune System

The chief mediator of mucosal immunity in the gastrointestinal tract is the lamina propria, a specialized tissue that is rich in innate immune cells, notably dendritic cells (DCs), which reside in gut-associated lymphoid tissues such as the Peyer’s patch (PPs) of the small intestine.²⁶ DCs patrol the mucosa and extend between epithelial cells via their elongated pseudopods to reach remote areas. The subepithelial layer in the lungs is also rich in DCs and other immune cells that perform immune surveillance functions.

The host immune response recognizes various types of organisms and dictates the immune response according to the type or virulence of the organism.²⁷ Despite the engagement of immune cells and the constant exposure to a large inoculum of commensal microbes, the mucous membranes are not usually inflamed.²⁸ This innate immune response also provides the host with protection against pathogenic microbial invasions through the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), such as double-stranded DNA in viruses, or bacterial cell surface structures, including lipopolysaccharides.²⁹ Sensing for invading microbes is mediated by pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptors (TLR), NOD-like receptors, RIG-I-like-receptors and C-type lectin receptors (CLR), located on the surface of both intestinal epithelial cells and innate immune cells located in the lamina propria.^29,30 Under basal conditions, PRRs are downregulated to prevent aberrant inflammatory responses; however, upon recognition of PAMPs, PRRs trigger a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways mediated by NF-κB, resulting in the production of cytokines and chemokines, which activate neighboring DCs and macrophages.^29,30 Stimulation of these innate immune cells activates plasma cells and provokes antibody responses, including mucosal sIgA production, which are transported to the mucus layer and engage in the neutralization and expulsion of unwanted microorganisms.³¹

Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction in Asthma

While mucosal barriers in healthy guts and lungs serve as impervious protective layers for the host, they can be damaged by inflammation, chemicals, and trauma, allowing the infiltration of environmental stimuli through leaky membranes, creating an inflammatory response and subsequent allergic ailments.^32,33

Intestinal barrier disruption is characterized by paracellular influx of intestinal bacteria-derived products, chiefly, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), into the systemic circulation. Direct contact with these microbial products triggers the activation of lamia propria DCs via TLR4-dependent signaling pathways, causing the release of proinflammatory mediators that perpetuate barrier disruption.³⁴ Sustained disruption of the intestinal barriers might allow the translocation of ingested allergens to the airway through a gut-lung communication pathway, and subsequent development of allergic/asthmatic responses.³⁵ While also marked by a general increase in epithelial permeability, the pathological hallmark of airway barrier disruption is the infiltration of inhaled allergens. This translocation causes allergic sensitization and inflammation via activation of airway DCs.³⁶ DCs recognize and transport these stimuli to adjacent lymph nodes, where they interact with T cells, resulting in T helper 2 (Th2)-skewed immunity. Th2 CD4⁺ T cells are responsible for directing B cells to switch to IgE production, resulting in the recruitment of mast cells and eosinophils and subsequent induction of an allergic response (Figure 3).

Figure 3.

Immunity-microbiome crosstalks at respiratory tract. Airway epithelial barriers are protected by junctional structures and a family of surfactant proteins. Intact barriers and homeostatic interplay between commensals and innate immunity prevent the entrance of allergens and pathogens (left). In contrast, aberrant interaction between microbes, including viruses and fungi, with mucosal dendritic cells elicits an allergic inflammatory milieu that causes barrier dysfunction (right). This further allows translocation of inhaled allergens and pathogens, heightening Th2 inflammation. Microbes and TLSP from pathogen-activated epithelium primes mucosal dendritic cells to orchestrate T-cell production of Th2 cytokines, namely, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, via IL-25 and IL-33 signaling. IL-5 recruits eosinophils to the airway, while IL-4 and IL-13 activate B cells to develop into plasma cells that produce allergen-specific IgE and recruit mast cells to the tissues. These events ultimately perpetuate a vicious cycle of epithelial barrier dysfunction.

Besides environmental allergens, viruses and fungi are important stimuli that play a critical role in the development of barrier disruption in asthma.^37,38 During respiratory viral infection, interferons and the cytokine thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) can be produced by lung epithelial cells and lung fibroblasts through TLR3/7/8 signaling.³⁸ In response to TSLP, IL-25 and IL-33 are produced in abundance and DCs are instructed to activate naïve T cells, causing Th2 polarization (Figure 3). Additionally, TLR3 signaling disrupts barrier function through TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-ß (TRIF) activation, which loosens epithelial tight junctions.²⁵ Consequently, the airway suffers from hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling. This interaction is believed to be the causative link between early childhood respiratory infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and human rhinovirus, and subsequent asthma development. Unlike viruses, fungi predominantly interact with mucosal immune cells by engagement of CLRs and RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) as well as recognition of fungal proteases via PARs (protease-activated receptors).³⁷ Activation of CLR results in the production of inflammatory and Th-2 polarizing cytokines, while stimulation of RAGE results in IL-33 production.^39–41 Lastly, PAR activation on eosinophils and epithelial cells results in the release of granule proteins and IL-33/TSLP, respectively.^42,43 Collectively, these diverse immunomodulatory mechanisms allow microbes to hijack airway immune cells and instruct them to produce allergic mediators in order to perpetuate barrier dysfunction and predispose the host to asthma development.

The Mucosal Microbiome

Microbial communities are vital for maintaining human health. These organisms not only protect the host from diseases through competing against pathogenic organisms and preventing their invasion and growth but they also support other physiological and immunological functions of the host via their endogenous synthesis of nutrient metabolites and vitamins.^44,45 Pathogenic microbes can be distinguished from commensal organisms as they carry specific adhesive and invasive molecules, such as adhesins and invasins, which enable them to adhere to and invade tissues, causing harm to the host.⁴⁶ In contrast, the inability of commensals to adhere to or invade the sterile epithelium makes the host tissue tolerant to their presence, as they can be easily washed off by mucus and expelled from the host through peristaltic movements in the gut or ciliary movements of the airway epithelium.⁴⁶

Gastrointestinal Commensals

The gut is home to the largest microbial community. Although the importance of the gut microbiome in early infancy is well established, the timing of microbial assembly in the infant gut remains elusive. Microbial colonization in fetal membranes had only been observed in the presence of infection, and, thus, it was believed to be a phenomenon that occurred due to infection, and not during normal pregnancies.⁴⁷ These early analyses, which employed culture-based techniques and microscopy, showed that the meconium (earliest stool sample from infants) is free of bacteria in the majority of studied subjects.^48–50 Subsequent studies of the amniotic fluid also showed no evidence of bacterial growth in over 90% of the tested samples, suggesting that fetal development may occur in a bacteria-free environment.^51,52

However, this hypothesis is now being challenged, as microbial assembly has recently been suggested to occur during the in utero phase.⁵³ In this regard, populations of the Proteobacteria phylum, particularly the Enterobacter and Escherichia/Shigella genera, were found in the amniotic fluid, placenta and colostrum of a small cohort of 15 mothers and their babies.⁵⁴ Consistent with this observation, other studies confirmed the presence of many bacterial species, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Clostridium leptum, in placental tissues.^54–57 Furthermore, studies that examined the meconium of newborns delivered via both vaginal birth and C-section found no differences in the composition of the gut microbiome, suggesting that colonization of the gut occurs prior to delivery and is independent of the birthing method.^58,59 However, while these causal relationships appear to provide evidence that the fetal gut is not sterile, large scale and direct evidence of microbial assembly in utero is lacking and the developmental mechanisms of microbial colonization remain unclear. In fact, the largest single study of 320 placental samples to date has suggested that the presence of a microbiome in this tissue may be associated with antepartum infection in the mothers, rather than via a homeostatic mechanism.⁶⁰

Besides maternal vaginal and intestinal flora, breast milk also helps to seed the infant microbiome, as it is heavily enriched with microbes. In fact, a longitudinal study of mother-infant pairs reported that 27.7% of beneficial bacteria present in the intestinal tracts of infants is obtained from the mother’s breast milk.⁶¹ The origin of the breast milk microbiome has been the subject of much debate. It was believed that the milk microbiome was a result of contamination from the mother’s skin during infant suckling, and many studies note the similarities between the adult skin microbiome and milk microbiome, particularly among the genera Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium.⁶² Furthermore, the discovery of anaerobic species, which are exclusively associated with the gut environment, in breast milk suggested that live bacteria from the maternal gut may travel to the mammary gland via interactions between epithelial cells, immune cells, and bacteria.^63,64 Results regarding the composition of breast milk microbiota have been varied. Culture-based analyses isolated bacterial species belonging to 5 families: Micrococcaceae, Streptococcaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Neisseriaceae.⁶⁵ In contrast, studies with more advanced sequencing technologies discovered 9 core genera in breast milk, including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Serratia, Pseudomonas, Corynebacterium, Ralstonia, Propionibacterium, Sphingomonas, and Bradyrhizobiaceae.⁶⁶ Nevertheless, Staphylococcaceae and Streptococcaeceae have been reported as dominant species within breast milk.⁶⁷

Notably, breast milk feeding appears to significantly dictate the diversity of the infant gut microbiome. Consistent breastfeeding appears to favor Bifidobacteria and Bacteroides as the dominant species. In contrast, infants fed formula have an increased abundance of anaerobes, such as Enterobacteriaceae, for long periods of time.^68,69 Besides transferring microbes, breast milk provides other prebiotics that support beneficial bacterial colonization.⁷⁰ For example, Bifidobacteria, Bacteroides, and Lactobacillus are adapted to utilize human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), while these complex glycans inhibit the growth of other harmful bacteria.^71,72 Furthermore, HMOs can prevent pathogen adhesion to intestinal epithelium by serving as soluble glycan receptor decoys. Mechanistically, HMOs could resemble the structures of viral receptors and prevent adherence to cells, therefore preventing infection.^73–75 Lastly, breast milk also contains immunoglobulins, which provide passive immunity to newborn infants. The prominent antibodies present in breast milk are IgA (90–95%), IgM (2–5%) and IgG (<1%).^44,76 Along with microbes, the presence of these antibodies helps to shape the composition of the infant gut microbiota and promotes a symbiotic relationship within the host.⁷⁷

Airway Microbiome

Similar to the gut, it is now widely accepted that lungs are not sterile, as was previously thought.⁷⁸ Distinct airway microbial profiles begin to cluster immediately after birth.⁷⁹ The sequence of events may start with bacteria colonizing the intestine early in life, prior to its appearance in the airways.^80,81 Alternatively, it has been hypothesized that the lower airway microbiome is derived from that of the upper airway via either microbial aspiration or direct inhalation, to a lesser extent.^82–84 In healthy subjects, the respiratory microbiome has a low density and modest growth rate. With the use of new technologies such as next-generation sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, more than 2000 bacterial genomes per cm² were detected in bronchoalveolar lavage specimens from normal healthy lungs.⁸⁵ Although there is still a relative lack of research performed on the microbiota in the lungs compared with that at other sites such as the gut, there is growing evidence of the uniqueness of the microbial community in the respiratory tract. Nevertheless, some types of bacteria in the airways and intestine do overlap, with the two most abundant phyla detected in both being Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes.^80,81

Gastrointestinal-Airway Microbial Communication

Overlapping pathologies in intestinal and respiratory diseases suggest that a gut-lung communication pathway may exist. Furthermore, patients with chronic gastrointestinal diseases have a higher prevalence of pulmonary diseases.⁸⁶ However, the mechanisms by which the microbiota in the gut and lung interact are not fully understood. Russell and coworkers demonstrated that a disturbance of the intestinal microbiota by vancomycin administration, which reduces gut flora diversity, early in life induced an increase in susceptibility to sensitization and asthma later in life.⁸⁷ Interestingly, treatment of age-matched mice with streptomycin did not lead to reduce microbial diversity, and, ultimately, these mice were no more sensitive to asthma induction later in life than untreated controls. This result suggests that temporary disturbance of the microflora by the use of an antibiotic is not harmful unless it leads to a lasting perturbation of flora diversity. However, disturbances of the airway microbiota may also result in alterations of the intestinal microbial composition. In a study by Vital et al, allergic airway sensitization in a mouse model led to a shift in the intestinal microbial composition, demonstrating that the gut microbiota is dynamic and can be altered in response to airway insults.⁸⁸ In support of this view, Wang et al found alterations in the gut microbial composition of mice after respiratory infection with influenza.⁸⁹ Although the airway microbiota was not examined in these studies, the changes that occurred in the lungs in response to the gut or vice versa suggest that gut-lung axis communication works in both directions and may constitute a positive feedback loop.

Furthermore, the connection between food allergies and asthma development also supports the presence of a gut-lung mucosal crosstalk. In this regard, the leaky intestinal barrier may lead to mislocation of food antigens into the laminal propria, causing inflammation and sensitization to food allergens.⁹⁰ These antigens can be translocated via leaky membranes into the lung interstitium, resulting in cross-susceptibility to food allergies and asthma, or even occurring in succession, starting with food allergies and progressing later to asthma.^91,92

Mucosal Immunity-Microbiome Crosstalk

Homeostatic Interaction During Development

Early microbial colonization in the GIT and other mucosal sites, such as the respiratory tract and skin, occurs in tandem with the development of the immune system. During early microbial assembly, the immune system is amenable to the colonization of organisms because of its immaturity. The relative lack of cytokine responses results in blunted inflammatory responses, allowing for the settlement and expansion of the microbiome in various niches.⁹³ Moreover, during this early period of rapid development of the immune system, maternally derived IgA protects the newborn from infections.⁹⁴ Interestingly, in mice, IgA production is influenced by the gut microbial environment, as the microbiome contributes to the development and function of mucosal lymphoid structures, such as the PPs, which is the site for IgA production in the GIT.^95,96 Indeed, mice raised in germ-free conditions have underdeveloped PPs and a reduced number of CD4⁺ T cells and IgA-producing plasma cells.⁹⁶ Conversely, the homeostatic role of IgA in regulating gut commensals has also been observed in humans. In this regard, IgA deficiency has been associated with an altered composition of gut microbiota and increased microbial translocation, leading to a depletion of anti-inflammatory species, such as Faecalibacterium, and overexpansion of the pro-inflammatory species Gammaproteaobacteria and Prevotella.⁹⁷ Furthermore, intestinal DCs also play a critical role in microbial imprinting via mechanisms that involve sampling of microbes for antigen presentation and induction of protective IgA.⁹⁸

Although IgA is the dominant antibody in the gut, IgM and IgG are also present. Their role is, however, less well characterized. While IgA and IgM are both produced locally by B cells, IgG is a circulating antibody that can gain entry into the gut through the binding of Fc receptors.⁹⁹ Consequently, IgG induction is a result of systemic immune activation in response to non-self antigens. As a result, IgG has been shown to target distinct microbial species, in contrast to IgA and IgM, which were shown to target the same microbial populations.¹⁰⁰ Commensal bacteria also provide supporting nutrient metabolites for the development of the immune system, notably via their production of SCFAs. SCFAs exert anti-inflammatory activity on gastrointestinal membranes, boost antibody production and play a key role in the growth of the intestinal lining and the maintenance of its integrity.⁴⁵ Furthermore, SCFAs can influence the differentiation of certain immune cell populations and, therefore, have immunomodulatory properties. For example, SCFAs can skew T helper differentiation away from the allergenic Th2 phenotype and, thus, prevent the induction of allergic sensitization.⁴⁵

Aberrant Interaction During Dysbiosis and Barrier Disruption

While perturbation of the intestinal microbiome has been well established as a cardinal feature of obesity and metabolic disorders,¹⁰¹ early gut dysbiosis has been linked to the development of asthma. For example, infants with a reduced Bifidobacterial to Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) ratio have a significantly increased risk for asthma development in later childhood.¹⁰² This finding was mirrored in the KOALA birth cohort study of 957 infants in the Netherlands, which demonstrated that colonization of C. difficile in the feces at one month of age was significantly associated with the subsequent development of eczema, wheezing and asthma, as assessed by parent interviews and by the determination of specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels from blood samples collected at 2 years of age.¹⁰³ Likewise, in a study of 117 children, colonization of Bacteroides fragilis at the age of 3 weeks was associated with a significantly increased risk for developing asthma at the age of 3 years.¹⁰⁴ Furthermore, diminished intestinal microbial diversity in asthmatic children has been documented.¹⁰⁵ The genera Lachnospira, Veillonella, Faecalibacterium, and Rothia were significantly decreased in the guts of infants at risk for asthma in the first 100 days of life.¹⁰⁶ Changes in the abundance of Lachnospira and Clostridium neonatale in the first 3 months of life were also linked to asthma development during the pre-school period.¹⁰⁷ In addition, children with asthma presented a significantly lower abundance of the genera Faecalibacterium and Roseburia.¹⁰⁸ Similar to the gastrointestinal tract, the airway microbiome also differs between healthy and diseased individuals.¹⁰⁹ In asthmatic children, nasal secretion samples showed a distinct microbiota composition dominated by the genus Moraxella.¹¹⁰ Proteobacteria (Hemophilus, Moraxella and Neisseria) were also more frequent in the asthmatic bronchial tree than in that of healthy adults.^85,111 Conversely, Bacteroidetes, particularly Prevotella, were significantly reduced in asthmatics.⁸⁵ In addition to bacteria, the presence of human rhinovirus in the nasopharynx during early life can impact asthma development.^112,113

Several studies have linked airway dysbiosis to asthma development through microbe-mediated alteration of the balance between Th2 and other immune signals. For instance, resident airway microbes have been shown to play a critical role in the regulation of basophil activation and IgE production,¹¹⁴ while Actinomycetaceae and Moraxella catarrhalis are able to induce eosinophilia, epithelial damage and subsequent inflammatory Th2 cytokine expression (IL-33, IL-8).¹¹⁰ Streptococcus, Prevotella, and Neisseria species are also associated with a Th2 cytokine profile; however, this allergic inflammatory response is driven by macrophages and T cells.^115,116 Other studies have also shown that Enterococcus faecalis can suppress Th17 immune responses and elevate symptoms of allergic asthma.¹¹⁷

Interestingly, the airway microbiota may also drive specific asthma endotypes and phenotypes.¹¹⁸ In this regard, the presence of eosinophilia during asthma has been shown to be related to changes in the microbiome. For instance, elevated eosinophil counts were documented in a study of 321 neonates, whose airways are predominantly colonized by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Moraxella catarrhalis.¹¹⁹ Conversely, eosinophil abundance in bronchial biopsies were found to be negatively associated with airway colonization of Proteobacteria, Neisseria, Bacteroides, and Rothia.^120–122 Neutrophilia has also been linked to airway microbial alterations, characterized by a general loss of diversity.^121,122 A detailed dissection of the microbiome in these subjects revealed specific reduction in abundance of Streptococcus, Gemella, and Porphyromonas. Furthermore, Th2 inflammation, the signature of asthma, has been recently linked to fungal dysbiosis with specific enrichment of Trichoderma and Penicillium species.¹²³

Collectively, the studies above provide evidence for the need to properly establish an early microbial colony in the mucosae during development so that homeostatic interaction between the microbiome and mucosal immune system is maintained. Otherwise, a disrupted immune-microbiome crosstalk could generate inflammatory pathogenic factors that contribute to epithelial barrier dysfunction and asthma development. Notably, asthmatic Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and TSLP, can negatively impact airway epithelial barrier functions.¹²⁴ In this regard, Xu et al demonstrated that IL-13 could suppress surfactant D expression in the airway epithelium.¹²⁵ Similarly, IL-4 and IL-5 have been shown to inhibit the expression of other secretory airway barrier factors, such as surfactant B and C, two critical regulators of respiratory functions.^126,127 Ahdieh et al also demonstrated through an in vitro study on human lung adenocarcinoma cells that both IL-4 and IL-13 decreased the expression of epithelial junction proteins, such as ZO-1 and occludin, resulting in barrier leakage.¹²⁸ Furthermore, decreased caveolin-1 in adult asthma patients was correlated with increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TSLP.¹²⁹

Of current interest, in the pathophysiology of COVID-19, microbiome alterations have been associated with significant involvement of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.^130,131 In this regard, COVID-19 patients exhibit reduced bacterial diversity in the gut and reduction of healthy symbionts, in addition to an increase in the abundance of pathogenic Streptococcus, Rothia, Veillonella, and Actinomyces.¹³² Consistent with this report, the gut microbiome of COVID-19 patients was documented with an enrichment of opportunistic bacteria (Clostridium, Actinomyces, and Bacteroides) and fungi (Candida albicans, Candida auris, and Aspergillus flavus) and depletion of beneficial commensals, such as Eubacterium, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Lachnospiraceae.¹³³ More importantly, the severity of the symptoms related to COVID-19 was linked to an expansion of pathogenic Clostridium and reduction of Alistipes and Bacteroides commensals. Limited information with regard to respiratory microbes have been documented in COVID-19 with the general consensus that opportunistic fungal and bacterial infections are widespread in the lungs of patients suffering from this disease.^134,135 Specifically, Acinetobacter, Chryseobacterium, Burkholderia, Brevundimonas, Sphingobium, and Enterobacteriaceae are the predominant bacteria while Cutaneotrichosporon, Issatchenkia, Wallemia, Cladosporium, Alternaria, Dipodascus, Mortierella, Aspergillus, Naganishia, Diutina, and Candida are the prevalent fungi in the airways of COVID-19 patients.¹³⁵ These collective findings highlight the impact of mucosal microbiota on the susceptibility to SARS-CoV2 infection and severity of COVID-19.

Therapeutic Implications

Currently, the mainstay of bronchial asthma treatment is to control airway inflammation through the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs). Although the mechanism is thought to occur by reducing inflammatory cytokine levels, newer evidence points to the role of ICSs in stabilizing the airway epithelium and in promoting epithelial barrier synthesis.²⁵ Interestingly, an increase in Proteobacteria in bronchial epithelial brushings from adults with mild to moderate asthma after ICS treatment has been reported.^85,136 Corroborating studies also showed that the microbiome of ICS-responsive asthmatics is enriched with Neisseria, Moraxella, and Haemophilus.¹³⁷ Therefore, ICSs may alter the lung microbiome by promoting the colonization of potentially pathogenic bacterial strains and subsequent ICS unresponsiveness.

In light of these findings, microbial manipulation may represent a novel therapeutic strategy in treating asthma, as microbiota seem to exert a considerable effect on the development of epithelial barriers, local immunological responses, and even the responsiveness to the standard of care for this condition. In this regard, introducing certain commensal strains in the form of probiotic supplementation may reduce allergy and asthma risk. Bacteria used for probiotics mainly belong to lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus), Bifidobacterium, and non-pathogenic Escherichia coli.¹³⁸ Specifically, administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been shown to prevent asthma development.¹³⁹ When asthmatic children were orally administered a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subspecies Bulgaricus, an improvement in lung function and a reduction in asthma exacerbations were observed.¹⁴⁰ Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus gasseri could also alleviate asthma symptoms and decrease IgE levels in children.^141,142 However, two meta-analyses of a total of 31 studies with over 5000 participants separately found no significant changes in the risk of asthma with probiotic supplementation.^143,144 These conflicting data on the benefit of probiotics in asthma prevention may be related to individual differences in the ability to incorporate probiotics into the microbiome.¹⁴⁵

Supplementing with prebiotics may provide the dietary support required for probiotics. Prebiotics are specific dietary fibers that are used as a nutritional source for commensal gut bacteria. These fermentable fibers are used by gut microbiota to produce SCFAs.¹⁴⁶ Prebiotics were found to have a positive influence on microflora diversity, stimulating the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon.^146,147 In one study, infants fed prebiotic formula had an intestinal microflora diversity closer to that of breastfed infants, with breastfeeding known to reduce allergy and asthma risk compared with that associated with regular formulas.¹⁴⁸ Bacterial lysates may also be beneficial as asthma therapeutics. In contrast to probiotics, bacterial lysates are not living organisms and, therefore, have only transient effects. For example, OM-85, an alkaline lysate of 21 respiratory tract pathogens, was able to reduce disease exacerbations in asthmatic children.^149–151 Similarly, sublingual administration of a bacterial lysate tablet (PMBL) improved asthmatic symptoms.¹⁵² These bacterial compounds may exert immunoregulatory mechanisms in the gut, which can act on distant mucosal sites to reduce allergic inflammation and airway hyperreactivity. However, the evidence for the use of probiotics, prebiotics, or other microbial therapeutics for the prevention of asthma is currently too weak for any recommendation to be drawn.^144,153 Similarly, in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, there is no clinical evidence of microbiota modulation for the treatment of this disease. Nevertheless, emerging speculations highlight the role of targeting microbiota as primary or adjuvant therapies.^154,155 In this regard, microbiota modulators can be used to alleviate the GI distress and protect the respiratory system from opportunistic bacterial and fungal infections. Additional research is needed before a general recommendation can be provided to harness the therapeutic powers of microbes in asthma and other emerging respiratory diseases.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the microbiota plays an important role in the development of protective barriers and mucous membrane immunity. Correlations exist between immune-microbiome crosstalks, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and asthma development. There is likely to be positive feedback between allergic inflammation-induced dysbiosis that, in turn, further promotes further barrier dysfunction, which leads to increased displacement of allergens/microbes to exacerbate the allergic response. A better appreciation of how these mechanisms interconnect will be crucial for enhancing our understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma and aiding the development of early intervention and therapeutic methods.

Abbreviations

C. difficile, Clostridium difficile; CLR, C-type lectin receptors; DCs, dendritic cells; GIT, gastrointestinal tract; ICSs, inhaled corticosteroids; HMOs, human milk oligosaccharides; PAMPs, pathogen-associated molecular patterns; PRR, pattern-recognition receptors; PAR, protease-activated receptors; PPs, Peyer’s patch; SCFA, short-chain fatty acid; sIgA, secretory immunoglobulin A; sIgE, specific immunoglobulin E; SP, surfactant protein; Th2, T helper 2; TJs, tight junctions; TLR, toll-like receptor; TRIF, TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-ß; TSLP, thymic stromal lymphopoietin; ZO, zonula occludens.

Disclosure

The author declares that they have no competing interests for this work.