Abstract
Mammalian intestinal surfaces are in constant and intimate contact with a vast consortium of indigenous commensal bacteria. As a result, gut epithelia have evolved an array of strategies for limiting bacterial invasion into deeper tissues, helping to preserve the mutually beneficial nature of intestinal host-microbial relationships. In this review, we discuss a growing body of evidence indicating that commensal bacteria are actively involved in shaping the very barriers that confine them to the gut lumen. By modulating epithelial inflammatory responses, antimicrobial protein expression, and tissue repair functions, indigenous microbial populations are essential for the maintenance of healthy mucosal surfaces.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | G779-G784 |
Journal | American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology |
Volume | 289 |
Issue number | 5 52-5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2005 |
Keywords
- Commensal
- Epithelium
- Inflammation
- Intestinal bacteria
- Mucosal repair
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology (medical)