An expanding stage for commensal microbes in host immune regulation.

ABSTRACT: Gastrointestinal commensal microbiota is a concentrated mix of microbial life forms, including bacteria, fungi, archaea and viruses. These life forms are targets of host antimicrobial defense in order to establish a homeostatic symbiosis inside the host. However, they are also instrumental in shaping the functions of our immune system via a diverse set of communication mechanisms. In the gut, T helper 17, regulatory T and B cells are continuously tuned by specific microbial strains and metabolic processes. These cells in return help to establish a mutually beneficial exchange with the gut microbial contents. Imbalances in this symbiosis lead to dysregulations in the host's ability to control infections and the development of autoimmune diseases. In addition, the commensal microbiota has a

SUBMITTER: Shi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5380945 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature