Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2025

An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions
Published on: June 30, 2021
Recent insights and advances in gut microbiota's influence on host antiviral immunity
Ying Liu1, Danying Yan2, Ran Chen3
1Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
Abstract:
A diverse array of microbial organisms colonizes the human body, collectively known as symbiotic microbial communities. Among the various pathogen infections that hosts encounter, viral infections represent one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide. The gut microbiota is considered an important biological barrier against viral infections and may serve as a promising target for adjuvant antiviral therapy. However, the potential impact of symbiotic microbiota on viral infection remains relatively understudied. In this review, we discuss the specific regulatory mechanisms of gut microbiota in antiviral immunity, highlighting recent advances in how gut microbiota regulate the host immune response, produce immune-related molecules, and enhance the host's defense against viruses. Finally, we also discuss the antiviral potential of oral probiotics.
Related Concept Videos
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
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...
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Defense Mechanism Against Infection
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...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...

