Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026

An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions
Published on: June 30, 2021
Interaction between gut microbiota and immunity in health and intestinal disease
Qishang Wang1,2, Qingguo Meng1,2, Yuchao Chen1,2
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
Abstract:
The gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in establishing and maintaining host immune homeostasis through dynamic, bidirectional interactions with the innate and adaptive immune systems. This review synthesizes current knowledge on how commensal microbes guide the development and function of the intestinal immune system. Conversely, we examine how the host immune system, including immunoglobulin A (IgA) and T-cell responses, actively shapes microbial composition and colonization resistance. Disruptions in this equilibrium (dysbiosis) are critically implicated in pathogenesis. We explore the dysbiosis-immune axis in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and colorectal cancer (CRC), highlighting how specific microbial taxa and their metabolites influence disease progression through immune modulation. Furthermore, we discuss how acute infectious insults model the breakdown of this mutualism.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
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...
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
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...

