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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
10:51
Co-culture of Living Microbiome with Microengineered Human Intestinal Villi in a Gut-on-a-Chip Microfluidic Device
Published on: August 30, 2016
Overview of gastrointestinal microecology
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia.
Die Nahrung
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Bacteria influence health not just by metabolism but also as antigens. Some bacteria and other microbes like fungi and viruses play roles in animal diseases, while dietary lactobacilli may inhibit intestinal cancer.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Germ-free environments reveal that bacterial antigens, not just metabolism, shape host characteristics.
- Specific bacterial species possess immune-activating properties.
- The complex host-microbe ecosystem involves various microorganisms beyond bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the multifaceted roles of microbes in host health and disease.
- To highlight the immunomodulatory and potentially anti-carcinogenic functions of specific bacteria.
- To explore the involvement of diverse microbial components in monogastric animal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of characteristics in germ-free versus conventionally raised animals.
- Investigation of immune system activation by specific bacterial species.
- Review of experimental data on dietary lactobacilli and intestinal carcinoma inhibition.
- Examination of the roles of protozoa, fungi, and viruses in animal health.
Main Results:
- Bacterial antigens significantly influence host traits in the absence of metabolic activity.
- Only certain bacterial species effectively activate the immune system.
- Dietary lactobacilli show promise in inhibiting intestinal carcinomas.
- Protozoa, fungi, and viruses are implicated in diseases of monogastric animals.
Conclusions:
- Host-microbe interactions are complex, involving direct immune stimulation and metabolic contributions.
- Specific microbial interventions, like dietary lactobacilli, may offer therapeutic benefits.
- A broader spectrum of microbes, including eukaryotes and viruses, contributes to animal pathology.
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