Gut microbiota in COVID-19: key microbial changes, potential mechanisms and clinical applications.
Raphaela I LauRaphaela Iris LauQin LiuQi SuFrancis K L ChanWilliam K K WuPublished in: Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology (2022)
The gastrointestinal tract is involved in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The gut microbiota has important roles in viral entry receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression, immune homeostasis, and crosstalk between the gut and lungs, the 'gut-lung axis'. Emerging preclinical and clinical studies indicate that the gut microbiota might contribute to COVID-19 pathogenesis and disease outcomes; SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with altered intestinal microbiota and correlated with inflammatory and immune responses. Here, we discuss the cutting-edge evidence on the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the gut microbiota, key microbial changes in relation to COVID-19 severity and host immune dysregulations with the possible underlying mechanisms, and the conceivable consequences of the pandemic on the human microbiome and post-pandemic health. Finally, potential modulatory strategies of the gut microbiota are discussed. These insights could shed light on the development of microbiota-based interventions for COVID-19.
Keyphrases
- respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- sars cov
- coronavirus disease
- angiotensin converting enzyme
- angiotensin ii
- healthcare
- public health
- endothelial cells
- oxidative stress
- poor prognosis
- physical activity
- mental health
- toll like receptor
- stem cells
- skeletal muscle
- insulin resistance
- human health
- binding protein
- adipose tissue
- health promotion