The Role of the Indigenous Gut Microbiota in Human Health and Disease

Abstract

The indigenous intestinal microbiota is a complex community that is crucial for maintaining both gastrointestinal and systemic homeostasis of the host. Although gut microbes have long been recognized for their role in modulating colonization by intestinal pathogens, recent reports have demonstrated that the commensal microbes have additional, far-reaching effects on host physiology and well-being. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent research which demonstrates the role of the human gut microbiota and microbial dysbiosis in common human diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD), colorectal cancer, obesity, allergic disease, and mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. We also discuss recent advances in the field of microbial-derived therapeutics, with a focus on emerging bacterial-based therapies that target gastrointestinal infections, osteoporosis, and cancer.