Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract represents the front line of microbial-host interaction by virtue of its immense surface area and constant microbial supply from ingested food. The gastrointestinal immune system shapes the communities of microbes throughout the GI tract, and in turn, the microbiota provide metabolites and other cues to support the development and normal function of the immune system. Emerging research shows that this influence on the immune system encompasses both innate and adaptive immunity and extends beyond the gut to anatomical sites throughout the body. This chapter presents an overview of the microbiology and immunology of the GI tract, examines microbial population dynamics revealed by studies such as the Human Microbiome Project and discusses the potential impact of emerging antimicrobial resistance to the microbiota and human health.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Neuro-Immuno-Gastroenterology |
Editors | Cris Constantinescu, Razvan Arsenescu, Violeta Arsenescu |
Publisher | Springer |
Pages | 39-52 |
Number of pages | 14 |
ISBN (Print) | 978-3-319-28609-9 |
Publication status | Published - 25 May 2016 |