Intestinal commensals: influence on immune system and tolerance to pathogens

Abstract

The interactions of commensal microorganisms with the host's immune system are in the spotlight. The intestinal microbiota provides both stimulatory and inhibitory signals to the host ensuring its own survival and contributing to resistance to pathogens. Some microbial lineages do this better than others and are attracting a lot of attention. The microbial influences go beyond the gut and have profound effects on infections and autoimmunity in distant locations. Commensals are also involved in regulation of 'tolerance to pathogens', a fundamental type of response to infections that does not reduce pathogen burden but keeps the host healthy.