Gut mycobiome: A “black box” of gut microbiome–host interactions

Abstract Fungi, being a necessary component of the gut microbiome, potentially have direct or indirect effects on the health and illness status of the host. The gut mycobiome is an inducer of the host's immunity, maintaining intestinal homeostasis, and protecting against infections, as well as a reservoir of opportunistic microorganisms and a potential cofactor when the host is immunocompromised. In addition, gut fungi interact with a diverse range of microbes in the intestinal niches. In this article, we reviewed the composition of gut mycobiome, their association with host health and illness, and summarized the specific Candida albicans – host interactions, in order to provide insights and directions for the ongoing study of fungi. This article is categorized under: Infectious Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology