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The indoors microbiome and human health

Nature Reviews Microbiology volume 22, pages 742–755 (2024)Cite this article

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Abstract

Indoor environments serve as habitat for humans and are replete with various reservoirs and niches for microorganisms. Microorganisms enter indoor spaces with their human and non-human hosts, as well as via exchange with outdoor sources, such as ventilation and plumbing. Once inside, many microorganisms do not survive, especially on dry, barren surfaces. Even reduced, this microbial biomass has critical implications for the health of human occupants. As urbanization escalates, exploring the intersection of the indoor environment with the human microbiome and health is increasingly vital. The indoor microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms influenced by human activities and environmental factors, plays a pivotal role in modulating infectious diseases and fostering healthy immune development. Recent advancements in microbiome research shed light on this unique ecological system, highlighting the need for innovative approaches in creating health-promoting living spaces. In this Review, we explore the microbial ecology of built environments — places where humans spend most of their lives — and its implications for immune, endocrine and neurological health. We further propose strategies to harness the indoor microbiome for better health outcomes.

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Fig. 1: The microbiome in the built environment.
Fig. 2: Microbial metabolism and survival on built surfaces.
Fig. 3: Effects of social context on the indoor microbiome and microorganism–immune system interaction, and their impacts on human health.
Fig. 4: The intersection of architecture and microbiology for a healthy built environment.

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Acknowledgements

K. Gilbert (UCSD Health Sciences) was responsible for drafting the included figures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA

    Jack A. Gilbert

  2. Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA

    Jack A. Gilbert

  3. Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA

    Jack A. Gilbert

  4. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    Erica M. Hartmann

  5. Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Erica M. Hartmann

  6. Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    Erica M. Hartmann

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  2. Erica M. Hartmann
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Gilbert, J.A., Hartmann, E.M. The indoors microbiome and human health. Nat Rev Microbiol 22, 742–755 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-024-01077-3

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