Human microbial communities are characterized by their taxonomic, metagenomic and
metabolic diversity, which varies by distinct body sites and influences human physiology …

Microbial colonization of mucosal tissues during infancy plays an instrumental role in the
development and education of the host mammalian immune system. These early-life events …

The 2017 annual symposium organized by the University Medical Center Groningen in The
Netherlands focused on the role of the gut microbiome in human health and disease …

Neonates are born with an immature immune system and rely on the transfer of immunity
from their mothers. Maternal antibodies are transferred via the placenta and breast milk …

Neural control of the function of visceral organs is essential for homeostasis and health.
Intestinal peristalsis is critical for digestive physiology and host defence, and is often …

Within the human gut reside diverse microbes coexisting with the host in a mutually
advantageous relationship. Evidence has revealed the pivotal role of the gut microbiota in …

Colonization by the microbiota causes a marked stimulation of B cells and induction of
immunoglobulin, but mammals colonized with many taxa have highly complex and …

The intestinal tract is the largest digestive organ in the human body. It is colonized by, and
consistently exposed to, a myriad of microorganisms, including bifidobacteria, lactobacillus …

Humoral immune responses at mucosal surfaces have historically focused on IgA. Growing
evidence highlights the complexity of IgA-inducing pathways and the functional impact of IgA …

INTRODUCTION Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the most abundant mammalian antibody
isotype, constituting more than 80% of all antibody-secreting plasma cells at steady state …