Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Gut-Brain Axis

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...

Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health

Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health

The gastrointestinal tract, responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, is safeguarded by the intestinal barrier, which consists of secretory, physical, and immune components. At the forefront is the secretory barrier, composed of essential elements such as mucus, gut microbiota, and defense proteins. They collaborate to break down food particles, facilitate nutrient absorption, and maintain optimal gut health. These secretory components ensure the smooth functioning of the...

Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...

Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System II: Digestion and Absorption

Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System II: Digestion and Absorption

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, extending from the mouth to the anus, plays a pivotal role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. This process involves both mechanical and chemical actions facilitated by various enzymes.
Digestion begins in the mouth, where food undergoes mechanical breakdown by chewing and combines with saliva. Salivary amylase, an enzyme in saliva, starts the breakdown of starches into maltose. The food then travels down the esophagus to the stomach.
In the stomach, a...

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Low-frequency genetic variants in GAK enhance Golgi function and protect against Parkinson's disease.

medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences·2025

Same author

Aging-related biomarkers in testicular cancer survivors after different oncologic treatments.

Cancer medicine·2024

Same author

Parkinson's disease patient-specific neuronal networks carrying the LRRK2 G2019S mutation unveil early functional alterations that predate neurodegeneration.

NPJ Parkinson's disease·2021

Same author

Patient-specific iPSC-derived cellular models of LGMDR1.

Stem cell research·2021

Same author

Exhausted T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus patients in long-standing remission.

Clinical and experimental immunology·2021

Same author

Correction: Clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus patients in long-term remission without treatment.

Clinical rheumatology·2020

Same journal

Clinical validation of video DASH for upper limb disorders in rheumatic patients.

Reumatologia clinica·2026

Same journal

Coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus and sarcoidosis: A case-based review.

Reumatologia clinica·2026

Same journal

Factors associated with the perception of body image in patients with psoriatic disease.

Reumatologia clinica·2026

Same journal

Anti-Mi-2-positive amyopathic dermatomyositis unveiled by a V-sign.

Reumatologia clinica·2026

Same journal

Antinuclear antibody detection beyond anti-dsDNA and anti-ENA: New insights from intact HEp-2 nucleus ELISA.

Reumatologia clinica·2026

Same journal

Long-term stability of autoantibody-based serological profiles in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Reumatologia clinica·2026

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions

An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions

Published on: June 30, 2021

The gut: beyond immunology.

Y Richaud-Patin¹, E Soto-Vega, L Llorente

¹Departamento de Inmunología y Reumatología. Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán. México DF. México.

Reumatologia Clinica

|July 29, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The intestinal immune system distinguishes self from non-self and also identifies beneficial from harmful substances. This complex gut immunity involves specialized structures and cells to maintain homeostasis with gut flora.

More Related Videos

In Vivo Photolabeling of Cells in the Colon to Assess Migratory Potential of Hematopoietic Cells in Neonatal Mice

In Vivo Photolabeling of Cells in the Colon to Assess Migratory Potential of Hematopoietic Cells in Neonatal Mice

Published on: August 10, 2018

Isolation and Flow Cytometric Characterization of Murine Small Intestinal Lymphocytes

Isolation and Flow Cytometric Characterization of Murine Small Intestinal Lymphocytes

Published on: May 8, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 30, 2026

An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions

An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions

Published on: June 30, 2021

In Vivo Photolabeling of Cells in the Colon to Assess Migratory Potential of Hematopoietic Cells in Neonatal Mice

In Vivo Photolabeling of Cells in the Colon to Assess Migratory Potential of Hematopoietic Cells in Neonatal Mice

Published on: August 10, 2018

Isolation and Flow Cytometric Characterization of Murine Small Intestinal Lymphocytes

Isolation and Flow Cytometric Characterization of Murine Small Intestinal Lymphocytes

Published on: May 8, 2016

Area of Science:

Immunology
Gastroenterology
Microbiology

Background:

The immune system's primary role is self/non-self discrimination.
The intestinal immune system has an additional crucial function: differentiating beneficial from harmful substances.
The gut hosts a vast community of commensal bacteria essential for digestion and pathogen control.

Purpose of the Study:

To review common concepts in digestive system physiology.
To emphasize the specialized immunological aspects of the gastrointestinal tract.
To explore the intricate mechanisms of gut immune homeostasis.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on gut immunology.
Analysis of specialized immune structures and cells in the intestinal mucosa.
Discussion of the interplay between the gut immune system and its microbial flora.

Main Results:

The intestinal immune system is the largest and most specialized compartment of the immune system.
It possesses unique physical barriers, epithelial cells, Peyer's patches, and M cells.
These components facilitate the dynamic control of homeostasis between the gut and its resident microorganisms.

Conclusions:

The gut's immune system is uniquely adapted to manage a complex environment.
It balances tolerance to commensal bacteria with defense against pathogens.
Understanding gut immunology is key to comprehending digestive health and disease.