The evolution of the host microbiome as an ecosystem on a leash

Kevin Foster, Jonas Schluter, Katharine Coyte, Seth Rakoff-Nahoum

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

The human body carries vast communities of microbes that provide many benefits. Our microbiome is complex and challenging to understand, but evolutionary theory provides a universal framework with which to analyse its biology and health impacts. Here we argue that to understand a given microbiome feature, such as colonization resistance, host nutrition or immune development, we must consider how hosts and symbionts evolve. Symbionts commonly evolve to compete within the host ecosystem, while hosts evolve to keep the ecosystem on a leash. We suggest that the health benefits of the microbiome should be understood, and studied, as an interplay between microbial competition and host control.
Original languageEnglish
JournalNature
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Aug 2017

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