The Yin and Yang of host-commensal mutualism

The human body is populated by an extremely diverse group of microbes that live in a symbiotic relationship with their host. Among these, intestinal commensals are the most abundant, induce homeostatic mucosal immune responses, and fulfill physiologic functions that benefit the host. In some cases, gut symbionts, including Escherichia coli, may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic intestinal inflammation by causing dysregulated immune activation in genetically susceptible hosts. Although immune responses to bacterial products are well-characterized, the impact of intestinal inflammation on the function of commensal luminal microbes is only beginning to be elucidated. We recently reported that chronic intestinal inflammation induces commensal E. coli to upregulate stress response genes that paradoxically limit their growth in vivo. Herein, we discuss our findings in the context of host-microbial interactions in health and disease and a developing paradigm that may distinguish pathogens from commensals.