The effects of stress on gut virome: Implications on infectious disease and systemic disorders

The role of gut microbiota in health and disease is being thoroughly examined in various contexts, with a specific focus on the bacterial fraction due to its significant abundance. However, despite their lower abundance, viruses within the gut microbiota are gaining recognition for their crucial role in shaping the structure and function of the intestinal microbiota, with significant effects on the host as a whole, particularly the immune system. Similarly, environmental factors such as stress are key in modulating the host immune system, which in turn influences the composition of the gut virome and neurological functions through the bidirectional communication of the gut-brain axis. In this context, alterations in the host immune system due to stress and/or dysbiosis of the gut virome are critical factors in the development of both infectious and noninfectious diseases. The molecular mechanisms and correlation patterns between microbial species are not yet fully understood. This literature review seeks to explore the interconnected relationship between stress and the gut virome, with a focus on how this interaction is influenced by the host's immune system. We also discuss how disturbances in this finely balanced system can lead to the onset and/or progression of diseases.Stress conditions can weaken the host's immune system, affecting the entire gut-brain axis. Concurrently, disruptions in the composition of the gut microbiota are associated with exacerbations of diseases. This review explores the complex interplay between stress, gut virome, and the host immune system. It highlights how stress-induced immune system alterations and gut virome dysbiosis contribute to both infectious and noninfectious diseases. The article further discusses the need for more research to fully understand the underlying molecular mechanisms and microbial correlations.image