Microbial modulation of gut B cells during homeostasis and colitis.

Various immune cells in the gut recognize and respond to microbes that live there, which are collectively known as the gut microbiota. This project focuses on a subset of immune cells termed B cells, which are important for functions such as antibody production. In particular, we are investigating how certain kinds of beneficial gut bacteria interact with B cells to improve gut health. Moreover, we are testing whether harmful bacteria found in the gut of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease do not interact with B cells, which may partly explain the altered immune responses observed during gut inflammation in these patients. Collectively, our work will have a significant impact on Inflammatory Bowel Disease by identifying and investigating new ways by which beneficial and harmful bacteria interact with B cells in the gut, which could have important implications for the future treatment of these diseases.