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Life on the edge: the balance between macrofauna, microflora and host immunity
Allison J Bancroft1, Kelly S Hayes, Richard K Grencis
1Manchester Immunology Group, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
Trends in Parasitology
|January 20, 2012
Summary
Mammalian immune homeostasis depends on a balance between gut microflora and macrofauna. Disruption of this balance, particularly the loss of macrofauna in Western lifestyles, may increase allergy and autoimmunity risks.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Mammals, gut microflora, and macrofauna have co-evolved over millions of years.
- Macrofauna presence in humans is now largely restricted to the developing world.
- Absence of macrofauna in Western lifestyles is linked to increased allergy and autoimmunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interdependence of mammals, gut microflora, and macrofauna.
- To understand the role of macrofauna in immune homeostasis.
- To explore the implications of macrofauna absence on host health.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the intestinal nematode Trichuris muris.
- It examines the utilization of microflora by T. muris for life cycle initiation.
- The research explores the regulatory role of macrofauna in immune function.
Main Results:
- Intestinal macrofauna, like Trichuris muris, interact with and utilize gut microflora.
- Macrofauna play a role in regulating mammalian immune function.
- Perturbation of the microflora-macrofauna balance can negatively impact the mammalian host.
Conclusions:
- A complex interdependence exists between mammals, their gut microflora, and macrofauna.
- The loss of macrofauna in modern Western lifestyles may disrupt immune homeostasis.
- Realigning this balance is crucial for preventing detrimental health consequences in mammalian hosts.
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