Modeling Host-Microbiome Interactions in Caenorhabditis elegans

The microbiome influences host processes including nutritional availability, development, immunity, and behavioral responses. Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful model to study molecular mechanisms of host–microbial interactions. Recent efforts have been made to profile the natural microbiome of C. elegans, laying a foundation for mechanistic studies of host–microbiome interactions in this genetically tractable model system. Studies using single-species microbes, multi-microbial systems, and humanized worm–microbiome interaction studies reveal metabolic and microbial–microbial interactions relevant in higher organisms. This article discusses recent developments in modeling the effects of host–microbiome interactions in C. elegans.