Abstract

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.