Host and Microbe Immunometabolic Chat: A New Era of Organismal Communication

The field of host-microbe immunometabolism is rapidly evolving, with a growing body of evidence highlighting the significant impact of metabolic products from both the host and microbiome on immune regulation. Metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), polyamines, tryptophan indole derivatives, conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs), and hippuric acid have been shown to influence host physiology by circulating in the blood at levels comparable to pharmaceutical drugs. These metabolites are associated with anti-inflammatory effects, cell proliferation, and mucosal repair, affecting host cell signaling and gene expression. Despite advances in metabolomics and systems immunology, critical questions remain unanswered, such as identifying key molecules in this regulatory network, understanding the physiological and pathogenic concentrations of these metabolites, and determining how the host genetic background influences co-metabolism. Recent studies have begun to uncover essential host and microbial networks, providing insights into novel mechanisms underlying various pathologies, including autoimmune disorders and cancer. However, the complex interactions between microbiome and host metabolism, particularly the fate of metabolic products and their role in health and disease, require further investigation.

This research topic aims to explore novel metabolic networks between the host and microbiome, delving into previously uncharted territories. The objective is to uncover crucial insights into immunometabolism, with the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the field. By focusing on these novel interconnections, the research seeks to identify metabolic products that could serve as biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and contribute to evolutionary studies. The ultimate goal is to enhance our comprehension of how these metabolic interactions influence health and disease, providing a foundation for future research and potential clinical applications.

To gather further insights into the complex interactions between host and microbiome metabolism, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Host-microbiome immune co-interactions
- Host-microbiome metabolomics
- Host-microbiome co-metabolism
- Host-microbiome co-shaping

Teresa Zelante, Marco Gargaro and Francesca Fallarino are employed by the University of Perugia. All the other topic editors declare no conflict of interest

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Metabolites, Postbiotics, Microbiome, Immunometabolism, Tolerance, Xenobiotic Receptors

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.