Fighting microbial pathogens by integrating host ecosystem interactions and evolution. (30th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burmeister, Alita R.; Hansen, Elsa; Cunningham, Jessica J.; Rego, E. Hesper; Turner, Paul E.; Weitz, Joshua S.; Hochberg, Michael E.
• Is Part Of: BioEssays. Volume 43:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-12-30
• Subjects: cancer -- infectious disease -- nonlinear dynamics -- resistance -- systems approach -- therapies; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000272
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-9247

Abstract

Abstract: Successful therapies to combat microbial diseases and cancers require incorporating ecological and evolutionary principles. Drawing upon the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology, we present a systems‐based approach in which host and disease‐causing factors are considered as part of a complex network of interactions, analogous to studies of "classical" ecosystems. Centering this approach around empirical examples of disease treatment, we present evidence that successful therapies invariably engage multiple interactions with other components of the host ecosystem. Many of these factors interact nonlinearly to yield synergistic benefits and curative outcomes. We argue that these synergies and nonlinear feedbacks must be leveraged to improve the study of pathogenesis in situ and to develop more effective therapies. An eco‐evolutionary systems perspective has surprising and important consequences, and we use it to articulate areas of high research priority for improving treatment strategies. Abstract : In health and disease, the human host is an ecosystem comprising resources, pathogenic micros, immune systems, microbiota, microhabitats, and anti‐micro therapies. We leverage this view for improved treatment of human illness through a systems‐based approach.