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Functions of the Gut Microbiota

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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...

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Updated: May 26, 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

Intestinal microbiota: shaping local and systemic immune responses.

Michael J Molloy¹, Nicolas Bouladoux, Yasmine Belkaid

¹Mucosal Immunology Unit, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 4 Center Drive, Room 4/243, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Seminars in Immunology

|December 20, 2011

Summary

Commensal microbes are crucial for host health, influencing defense, metabolism, and immunity. Understanding how these microbes trigger specific immune responses is key to managing health and inflammation.

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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

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Last Updated: May 26, 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

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:

Microbiology
Immunology
Host-Microbe Interactions

Background:

Commensal microbes play a vital role in maintaining host homeostasis.
They influence host defense, metabolism, and tissue development.
Emerging evidence highlights their role in regulating innate and adaptive immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent findings on how commensal microbes shape immune responses.
To explore the molecular basis for differential immune activation by commensals.
To discuss the consequences for protective and inflammatory responses during infection and at steady state.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent experimental and theoretical studies.
Analysis of data on commensal-induced immune modulation.
Synthesis of findings on regulatory and effector immune pathways.

Main Results:

Commensals differentially trigger regulatory and effector immune responses.
The molecular mechanisms underlying these differences are beginning to be elucidated.
Commensal-shaped immune responses impact both local and systemic inflammation.

Conclusions:

Commensal microbes are key modulators of host immunity.
Further research into the molecular basis of commensal-microbe interactions is needed.
Understanding these interactions can inform strategies for health and disease management.