Gut Virome and Aging: Phage-Driven Microbial Stability and Immune Modulation

The gut harbors trillions of microbes that play essential roles in metabolism and immunological functions. The virome, an important but understudied component of the gut microbiota, comprises bacteriophages commonly referred to as bacterial viruses, among other inhabitants. Understanding the interplay between the gut virome and bacteria can illuminate the dynamics of microorganisms in both healthy and diseased states. This knowledge can open new avenues for treatment, such as phage therapy and microbiota modulation, which aim to restore balance in the gut and improve overall health. The composition and diversity of the gut microbiome and virome undergo significant changes, which have been linked to increased susceptibility to infections, chronic inflammation, and age-related disease. Exploring the gut virome's role in aging may provide insights into how viral and bacterial interactions influence immune senescence and gut resilience in the elderly population. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the relationship between the gut virome, specifically phages associated with gut bacteria, and mechanisms of phage-host interactions, shedding light on how these factors affect and influence communities. Additionally, this review also explores the impact of the gut virome on gut resilience and its role in shaping and influencing the host's immune response. Maintaining a healthy gut requires a stable and robust virome. Therefore, future research on the virome is crucial for the development of microbe-based products that enhance human and animal health and aid in addressing specific diseases.