Decoding the role of gut mycobiota in immune regulation and disease

The gut mycobiota, a minor but influential component of the microbiota, is increasingly recognized for its role in shaping host immunity and influencing health. Advances in sequencing technologies have now highlighted the diversity and complexity of these fungal communities. Dysbiosis of the gut mycobiota is associated with various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and asthma, through mechanisms involving fungal-host interactions, immune modulation, and cross-reactivity. Despite these insights, the mechanisms underlying fungal–immune interactions remain incompletely understood. In this review, we explore the composition of the gut mycobiome and its role in health and disease, focusing on its interaction with the host immune system. We also explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the mycobiome to mitigate disease outcomes. By integrating recent findings, this review aims to deepen the understanding of fungal contributions to immune homoeostasis and modulating the mycobiome in the context of health and disease.