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Related Concept Videos

Functions of the Gut Microbiota01:18

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...
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The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
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The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
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Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
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The large intestine hosts the most densely populated microbial ecosystem in the human body. This complex community primarily consists of anaerobic bacteria, with Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) and Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) as the predominant groups. The distribution of these microbes varies along different sections of the large intestine, influenced by local environmental factors such as oxygen availability and nutrient composition.The cecum, located at the beginning of the large...
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Host-microbiota interactions in inflammatory bowel disease.

Charles O Elson1, Yingzi Cong

  • 1Departments of Medicine and Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. coelson@uab.edu

Gut Microbes
|May 11, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) involve immune system disorders targeting the gut microbiota. Genetic studies reveal that a faulty adaptive immune response, especially involving CD4 T-cells, to gut microbes may cause IBD.

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The gut microbiota and host intestinal mucosa interact intricately.
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are increasingly understood as immune disorders targeting the gut microbiota.
  • Genetic studies in mice and humans provide insights into IBD pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the innate, adaptive, and regulatory immune responses to the gut microbiota.
  • To discuss the role of host genes in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and preventing inflammation.
  • To explore the hypothesis that IBD results from a dysregulated immune response to the microbiota.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on host-microbiota interactions.
  • Analysis of genetic studies in mice and humans related to IBD.
  • Discussion of immune pathways involved in intestinal homeostasis.

Main Results:

  • Genetic variations in humans and mice are linked to IBD or susceptibility.
  • Host-microbiota dialog involves innate, adaptive, and regulatory immune cells.
  • A dysregulated adaptive immune response, particularly CD4 T-cells, is implicated in IBD.
  • Microbiota composition (dysbiosis) is altered during inflammation and influenced by host genetics and environment.

Conclusions:

  • IBD pathogenesis is strongly linked to a dysregulated host immune response to the gut microbiota.
  • Host genetic factors and environmental influences shape the immune response and microbial dysbiosis.
  • Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for developing IBD therapies.