Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions
Published on: June 30, 2021
Intestinal commensals: influence on immune system and tolerance to pathogens
1Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, 924 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, United States. achervon@bsd.uchicago.edu
None:
The interactions of commensal microorganisms with the host's immune system are in the spotlight. The intestinal microbiota provides both stimulatory and inhibitory signals to the host ensuring its own survival and contributing to resistance to pathogens. Some microbial lineages do this better than others and are attracting a lot of attention. The microbial influences go beyond the gut and have profound effects on infections and autoimmunity in distant locations. Commensals are also involved in regulation of 'tolerance to pathogens', a fundamental type of response to infections that does not reduce pathogen burden but keeps the host healthy.
Related Concept Videos
Functions of the Gut Microbiota
Introduction to the Human Microbiota
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Probiotics
Microbiota of the Large Intestine
Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine

