Critical Entry Points—Microbiome

Abstract The mucosal immune system is intimately connected with the vast diversity of microbes present on body surfaces. The discovery of novel molecular mechanisms, which mediate host–microbe communication, have highlighted the important roles played by microbes in influencing mucosal immune responses. Dendritic cells, epithelial cells, innate lymphoid cells, T-regulatory cells, effector lymphocytes, NKT cells, and B-cells can all be influenced by the microbiome. Many of the mechanisms being described are either bacterial strain or metabolite specific. More accurate endotyping of patients with chronic respiratory disorders may be assisted by further analysis of the composition and metabolic activity of an individual’s microbiome. In addition, the efficacy of specific therapeutics may be influenced by the microbiome.