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An ecological and evolutionary perspective on human–microbe mutualism and disease

Author

Listed:
  • Les Dethlefsen

    (Stanford University)

  • Margaret McFall-Ngai

    (Symbiosis Cluster, 4835A Medical Sciences Center
    University of Wisconsin)

  • David A. Relman

    (Stanford University
    Stanford University
    Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System 154T)

Abstract

The microbial communities of humans are characteristic and complex mixtures of microorganisms that have co-evolved with their human hosts. The species that make up these communities vary between hosts as a result of restricted migration of microorganisms between hosts and strong ecological interactions within hosts, as well as host variability in terms of diet, genotype and colonization history. The shared evolutionary fate of humans and their symbiotic bacteria has selected for mutualistic interactions that are essential for human health, and ecological or genetic changes that uncouple this shared fate can result in disease. In this way, looking to ecological and evolutionary principles might provide new strategies for restoring and maintaining human health.

Suggested Citation

  • Les Dethlefsen & Margaret McFall-Ngai & David A. Relman, 2007. "An ecological and evolutionary perspective on human–microbe mutualism and disease," Nature, Nature, vol. 449(7164), pages 811-818, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:449:y:2007:i:7164:d:10.1038_nature06245
    DOI: 10.1038/nature06245
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