Fungi in the Gut Microbiota: Interactions, Homeostasis, and Host Physiology

Abstract

The mammalian gastrointestinal tract is a stage for dynamic inter-kingdom interactions among bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, which collectively shape the gut micro-ecology and influence host physiology. Despite being a modest fraction, the fungal community, also referred to as mycobiota, represents a critical component of the gut microbiota. Emerging evidence suggests that fungi act as early colonizers of the intestine, exerting a lasting influence on gut development. Meanwhile, the composition of the mycobiota is influenced by multiple factors, with diet, nutrition, drug use (e.g., antimicrobials), and physical condition standing as primary drivers. During its establishment, the mycobiota forms both antagonistic and synergistic relationships with bacterial communities within the host. For instance, intestinal fungi can inhibit bacterial colonization by producing alcohol, while certain bacterial pathogens exploit fungal iron carriers to enhance their growth. However, the regulatory mechanisms governing these complex interactions remain poorly understood. In this review, we first introduce the methodologies for studying the microbiota, then address the significance of the mycobiota in the mammalian intestine, especially during weaning when all 'primary drivers' change, and, finally, discuss interactions between fungi and bacteria under various influencing factors. Our review aims to shed light on the complex inter-kingdom dynamics between fungi and bacteria in gut homeostasis and provide insights into how they can be better understood and managed to improve host health and disease outcomes.