Cytopathology of the microbiome-immune interface: Emerging applications of cytology in infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions

Objectives

The objective of the study is to synthesize current evidence on the microbiome–immune interface as reflected in cytopathologic specimens and to explore the emerging diagnostic, prognostic, and translational applications of cytology in infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases. Material and Methods: This narrative review integrates published literature on cytopathology, microbiome research, and immune profiling. Relevant studies examining cytologic specimens, including fine-needle aspiration, effusion cytology, liquid-based cytology, and lavage samples, were evaluated for their contributions to understanding host-microbe interactions. Emphasis was placed on studies incorporating molecular microbiome analysis (16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid sequencing, metagenomics), immunocytochemistry, cytokine profiling, and digital image analysis.