Abstract
More recently, increasing attention has been directed to exploring the function of the global virome in health and disease. Currently, by new molecular techniques, such as metagenomic DNA sequencing, the virome has been better unveiled. By investigating the human lung virome, we could provide novel insights into respiratory diseases. The virome, as a part of the microbiome, is characterized by a constant change in composition related to the type of diet, environment, and our genetic code, and other incalculable factors. The virome plays a substantial role in modulating human immune defenses and contributing to the inflammatory processes. Anelloviruses (AVs) are new components of the virome. AVs are already present during early life and reproduce without apparently causing harm to the host. The role of AVs is still unknown, but several reports have shown that AVs could activate the inflammasomes, intracellular multiprotein oligomers of the innate immune system, which show a crucial role in the host defense to several pathogens. In this narrative revision, we summarize the epidemiological data related to the possible link between microbial alterations and chronic respiratory diseases in children. Briefly, we also describe the characteristics of the most frequent viral family present in the lung virome, Anelloviridae. Furthermore, we discuss how AVs could modulate the immune system in children, affecting the development of chronic respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, the most common chronic inflammatory disease in childhood.
Highlights
Nowadays, there is increasing interest in the characterization of microorganisms in human pathology
It is composed of eukaryotic viruses, bacterial viruses, the so-called “bacteriophages”, and a group of virus-derived genetic elements integrated into host chromosomes [1]
In asymptomatic individuals, transitory viruses (e.g., RSV or adenovirus) could provoke a low-level immune response, while increased loads of viruses and a higher level of inflammation were proven in patients with chronic airway disease [4]
Summary
There is increasing interest in the characterization of microorganisms in human pathology. Eukaryotic viruses infect eukaryotic cells, and bacteriophages target specific human-hosted bacteria [1] While both bacterial and viral components found in the gastrointestinal tract are considered pathogens but sometimes commensals, the respiratory tract was thought to be sterile. In asymptomatic individuals, transitory viruses (e.g., RSV or adenovirus) could provoke a low-level immune response, while increased loads of viruses and a higher level of inflammation were proven in patients with chronic airway disease [4]. It seems that viral species of the respiratory tract are important in order to control other pathogens, bacteriophages. We will focus on how anelloviruses could modulate the host immune systems influencing the development of chronic respiratory diseases in childhood
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