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Microbial Genomics logo Microbial Genomics

Volume 11, Issue 10

Lung microbiome dynamics in health and lung cancer Open Access

Abstract

Application of culture-independent sequencing technologies has revealed the presence of a low-biomass, high-diversity microbiome within healthy human lungs. This community is highly dynamic, with microbes constantly being introduced into and cleared from healthy airways, and its multifaceted roles in lung physiology and disease are currently a matter of intensive investigation. In view of the rising lung cancer incidence and mortality rates, a large amount of research has already been conducted in the context of lung cancer, suggesting an association between lung cancer and local dysbiosis. In light of these developments, this review summarizes and discusses existing knowledge on lung microbiome dynamics and composition in health and how these differ in lung cancer patients, focusing on the latest research. Throughout this effort, frequently reported alterations and associated microbe–host interactions in lung cancer development and progression are highlighted, along with some critical methodological considerations, outstanding questions and suggestions for the future.

  • Received:
  • Accepted:
  • Published Online:
Keyword(s): dysbiosis , lung , lung cancer , microbe–host interaction , microbiome and sequencing
© 2025 The Authors
  • This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.
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2025-10-07
2025-11-13

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Lung microbiome dynamics in health and lung cancer
M Gen 11, 001509 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1099/mgen.0.001509
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