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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...
Probiotics01:22

Probiotics

Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
Microbiota of the Large Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Large Intestine

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...
Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...
Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine

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,...
Defense Mechanism Against Infection01:26

Defense Mechanism Against Infection

Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...

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An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions
05:27

An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions

Published on: June 30, 2021

Intestinal commensal microbes as immune modulators.

Ivaylo I Ivanov1, Kenya Honda

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA. ii2137@columbia.edu

Cell Host & Microbe
|October 23, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Commensal bacteria are crucial for immune system health. Identifying specific bacteria that modulate immunity offers new therapeutic strategies for immune-related conditions and gut health.

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Published on: September 18, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Commensal bacteria are essential for immune system development and maintenance.
  • The gut microbiota influences host immunity, impacting various mucosal and non-mucosal conditions.
  • Individual commensal bacteria possess unique immunomodulatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the significance of individual immunomodulatory commensal bacteria.
  • To emphasize the potential of harnessing microbiota for therapeutic interventions.
  • To underscore the need for understanding specific bacterial-host interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on commensal bacteria and host immunity.
  • Analysis of known immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory effects of microbiota.
  • Identification of specific commensal bacteria with immunomodulatory functions.

Main Results:

  • Commensal bacteria play a vital role in immune homeostasis.
  • Specific commensal bacteria can actively modulate host immune responses.
  • Dysbiosis is linked to immune-related disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting individual immunomodulatory commensals presents a promising therapeutic avenue.
  • Understanding bacterial mechanisms is key to restoring immunological balance.
  • This approach could revolutionize treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases and other immune conditions.