Question

Describe the Nash Equilibrium theory in the context of microbiota stabilization.

Answer 1

When two organisms occupy the same environment, a conflict or a series of compromises arises. More complex are the relationships between hosts and microbes that have evolved together, each with adaptations linked to the biology of the other, often leading to nonlinear interactions. Balancing host and microbial interests result in a long term equilibrium but not a stable one. Such relationships would resemble climax communities that have achieved stability under prevailing conditions. A linkage between host and microbial signals and the achievement of persistence implies that equilibrium has been reached. This concept is widely accepted as evolutionary stable strategy and equilibrium reaching in microbiota is classic example of Nash Equilibrium.