Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

A Novel Method for the Culture and Polarized Stimulation of Human Intestinal Mucosa Explants
Published on: May 1, 2013
Role of intestinal bacterial flora in oral tolerance induction
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan. tanakaka@is.icc.u-tokai.ac.jp
In healthy individuals, the immune responses against foods cannot be induced. This phenomenon is known as oral tolerance. We observed that the oral tolerance was impaired in germfree mice, and that Th2-dependent antibodies such as IgE could be thus induced by an orally given antigen. As a result, the germfree mouse was considered to be a good animal model for allergic disorder. When germfree mice were mono-associated with such bacteria as E.coli and B. infantis, then oral tolerance was restored in these gnotobiotes to a level similar to that observed in SPF mice. Thus, these bacterias seemed to be important in oral tolerance induction. In addition, the probiotics using these bacteria may be a useful material for the treatment of allergic disorders.
In healthy individuals, the immune responses against foods cannot be induced. This phenomenon is known as oral tolerance. We observed that the oral tolerance was impaired in germfree mice, and that Th2-dependent antibodies such as IgE could be thus induced by an orally given antigen. As a result, the germfree mouse was considered to be a good animal model for allergic disorder. When germfree mice were mono-associated with such bacteria as E.coli and B. infantis, then oral tolerance was restored in these gnotobiotes to a level similar to that observed in SPF mice. Thus, these bacterias seemed to be important in oral tolerance induction. In addition, the probiotics using these bacteria may be a useful material for the treatment of allergic disorders.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
The Oral Microbiota
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
Functions of the Gut Microbiota
Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Microbiota of the Large Intestine

