Harnessing the Farm Effect: Microbial Products for the Treatment and Prevention of Asthma Throughout Life

Abstract

It has long been appreciated that farm exposure early in life protects individuals from allergic asthma. Understanding what component(s) of this exposure is responsible for this protection is crucial to understanding allergic asthma pathogenesis and developing strategies to prevent or treat allergic asthma. In this review, we introduce the concept of Farm-Friends, or specific microbes associated with both a farm environment and protection from allergic asthma. We review the mechanism(s) by which these Farm-Friends suppress allergic inflammation, with a focus on the molecule(s) produced by these Farm-Friends. Finally, we discuss the relevance of Farm-Friend administration (oral vs. inhaled) for preventing the development and severity of allergic asthma throughout childhood and adulthood. By developing a fuller understanding of which Farm-Friends modulate host immunity, a greater wealth of prophylactic and therapeutic options becomes available to counter the current allergy epidemic.