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SUMMARY:  &quot\;Intestinal epithelial cells: at the interface of the micr
 obiota and mucosal immunity&quot\; - Dr Virginia Pedicord\; Laboratory of 
 Chemical Biology and Microbial Pathogenesis\, Rockefeller University\, New
  York
DTSTART:20171123T130000Z
DTEND:20171123T140000Z
UID:TALK81051@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Bobbie Claxton
DESCRIPTION:The human gastrointestinal tract houses a large number of comm
 ensal microbes known as the microbiota. Disruption of microbial diversity 
 has been strongly linked to increased infection susceptibility\, indicatin
 g that commensal bacteria contribute to prevention of pathogenic infection
 \; however\, current studies largely lack investigation into the mechanism
 s underlying key host-commensal interactions. We have discovered that colo
 nization of mice with a commensal strain of Enterococcus leads to improved
  intestinal barrier function and decreased infection-induced mortality. We
  went on to characterize a mechanism by which an enzyme from these bacteri
 a activates intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) to increase barrier defense
 s in mammalian hosts. Ectopic expression of the enzyme in non-protective a
 nd probiotic bacteria was sufficient to enhance intestinal barrier functio
 n and confer resistance against S. Typhimurium and Clostridium difficile p
 athogenesis. These studies demonstrate that specific factors from commensa
 l bacteria can be used to improve host barrier function and limit the path
 ogenesis of distinct enteric infections. The overall aim of my new researc
 h group at the University of Cambridge is to gain mechanistic insights int
 o how IECs can be fine-tuned by specific microbial stimuli to control intr
 insic pathogen resistance and modulate local and systemic immune responses
 .
LOCATION:Babraham - The Brian Heap Seminar Room
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