Work

Harnessing the Farm Effect: Microbial Products for the Treatment and Prevention of Asthma Throughout Life

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: It has long been appreciated that farm exposure early in life protects individuals from allergic asthma. Understanding what component(s) of this exposure is responsible for this protection is crucial to understanding allergic asthma pathogenesis and developing strategies to prevent or treat allergic asthma. In this review, we introduce the concept of Farm-Friends, or specific microbes associated with both a farm environment and protection from allergic asthma. We review the mechanism(s) by which these Farm-Friends suppress allergic inflammation, with a focus on the molecule(s) produced by these Farm-Friends. Finally, we discuss the relevance of Farm-Friend administration (oral vs. inhaled) for preventing the development and severity of allergic asthma throughout childhood and adulthood. By developing a fuller understanding of which Farm-Friends modulate host immunity, a greater wealth of prophylactic and therapeutic options becomes available to counter the current allergy epidemic.

Source: Immunological Reviews

DOI: 10.1111/imr.70012

Authors: Maile K. Hollinger, Emily M. Grayson, Caroline M. Ferreira, Anne I. Sperling

Institutions: University of Virginia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo

Language: English

Topic: Asthma and respiratory diseases

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,000