RSV infection in neonatal mice and gastrointestinal microbiome alteration contribute to allergic predisposition

• DOI: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2025.04.007
• Publication Date: 2025-04-23T23:30:44Z
• Authors: Alexander D. Ethr...; Kazuma Yagi; Llilian Arzola Ma...; Andrew J. Rasky; Susan B. Morris; Nicole R. Falkowski; Gary B. Huffnagle; Nicholas W. Lukacs
• Keywords: Gut microbiome; Intestinal Microbiome

Severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection during infancy is associated with a 2 to 4-fold increased risk for the development of wheezing and asthma. Recent studies have implicated microbiome changes, either within lung or gut, early life can also affect pulmonary disease. Our demonstrate long-term gastrointestinal changes following (EL) RSV infection. To determine respective roles ELRSV gut microbiome, we performed germ-free neonatal colonization using from an uninfected animal followed by cockroach allergen (CRA)-induced asthma 4 weeks later. Germ-free animals displayed airway disease that was diminished colonization, including hyperreactivity (AHR), mucus, eosinophil infiltration. address role induced alterations, utilized GF mice conventionalized RSV-associated naive microbiomes CRA-induced Transfer taken acute did not alter allergic response CRA. However, transfer adult conferred protection enhanced AHR in CRA whereas not. Taken together, our data indicate alteration both contribute predisposition.