Publications

The human mycobiome, representing the fungal fraction of the microbiome, has emerged as a key regulator of health and disease despite its relatively small abundance. Fungal communities inhabit diverse niches including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, skin, and mucosal surfaces, where they engage in complex interactions with bacteria, host immunity, and environmental factors. Increasing evidence links mycobiome dysbiosis with inflammatory, autoimmune, metabolic, respiratory, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Pathogenic fungi such as Candida albicans can exacerbate inflammation and immune dysfunction, while commensal fungi including Saccharomyces contribute to immune tolerance and homeostasis. The mycobiome also participates in inter-kingdom signaling with bacteria, influences host metabolism, and modulates neuroimmune pathways relevant to mental health. Advances in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics have refined our ability to characterize fungal communities, but significant gaps remain in understanding mechanistic roles. Therapeutic approaches such as fungal probiotics, dietary interventions, antifungal modulation, and fecal microbiota transplantation demonstrate the translational potential of mycobiome research. This review synthesizes current evidence on the diversity, function, and clinical implications of the mycobiome, highlighting its underappreciated role as a determinant of human health.