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The gut virome: its composition, dynamics, and role in viral infections and host health

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The human GI tract is one of the most complex environments populated by a diverse set of microorganisms known as the GMB (GM). Whereas previous studies have largely focused on the bacterial part of this ecosystem—the bacteriome- the viral part of this ecosystem—the virome—has recently been shown to be an important factor regulating human health and disease prevention. The gut virome is mainly represented by bacteriophages (phages) and is the largest and most diverse part of the gut ecosystem. Despite this, the GV has not been thoroughly studied yet. In this paper, we present the state-of-the-art analysis of the human GV and its impact on human health, reviewing the composition of the GV, factors determining the dynamics of the GV throughout the life course, as well as its various roles in maintaining health and disease. We consider methodologies used in the study of the GV with a special focus on the problem of viral dark matter, which refers to a large proportion of unidentified viral sequences. The interaction between phages, bacteria, and the host’s immune system, including phages’ influence on the bacterial communities inside the host, regulation of the host’s metabolism through auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs), and the direct interaction with the immune system, is considered. We also discuss the importance of acute enteric viral infections in the development of human diseases, reviewing the pathogenesis of the viruses, their strategies of immune evasion, and new developments in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of these infections. We analyze the idea of virome dysbiosis and its connection with human diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), metabolic disorders (obesity, type 2 diabetes), and neurodegenerative diseases. The possibilities of GV modulation are discussed, including FVT and phage therapy, as well as potential combination with other therapies. Not applicable.

Source: Virology Journal

DOI: 10.1186/s12985-026-03356-2

Authors: Niloofar Kiaheyrati, Navid Namadian, Zahra Asadi, Hamed Tahmasebi

Institutions: Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Bacteriophages and microbial interactions

Subfield: Virology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290

OpenAlex ID: W7225824007

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