Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Assessing the Viability of a Synthetic Bacterial Consortium on the In Vitro Gut Host-microbe Interface
Published on: July 4, 2018
Metabolism at the centre of the host-microbe relationship
1Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy and Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
Abstract:
Maintaining homoeostatic host-microbe interactions is vital for host immune function. The gut microbiota shapes the host immune system and the immune system reciprocally shapes and modifies the gut microbiota. However, our understanding of how these microbes are tolerated and how individual, or communities of, gut microbes influence host function is limited. This review will focus on metabolites as key mediators of this complex host-microbe relationship. It will look at the central role of epithelial metabolism in shaping the gut microbiota, how microbial metabolites influence the epithelium and the mucosal and peripheral immune system, and how the immune system shapes microbial composition and metabolism. Finally, this review will look at how metabolites are involved in cross-talk between different members of the microbiota and their role during infections.
Related Concept Videos
Relationship Formation
What is Metabolism?
Ending Relationships
Relationship Growth
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Close Relationships and Culture

