Microbiome and gut immunity

The intestine is a complex organ with multiple functions. In addition to being the primary site of digestion and nutrient absorption, it also has one of the largest concentrations of immune cells and neuroendocrine cells. It is also home to trillions of bacteria representing thousands of different species. Under ideal circumstances, this complex population of microbes functions as an additional organ system working with the host symbiotically. However, disruptions to the make-up of the microbiome can lead to disease.  Our group has several projects focused on understanding the complex interactions between the cells of the intestinal microbiome, the host cells in the gut, and how these interactions influence immune function, growth, health, and survival.

Related Publications

Hughes R-A, Ali RA, Mendoza M, Hassan HM, Koci MD. Prebiotic-mediated changes to the microbiome alters host mucosal gene expression: possible approach to control Salmonella in poultry. Front. Vet. Sci., 13 November 2017 https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2017.00192

AL Ballou, RA Ali, MA Mendoza, JC Ellis, HM Hassan, WJ Croom, MD Koci. Development of the Chick Microbiome: How Early Exposure Influences Future Microbial Diversity. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 3:2. (2016) DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2016.00002.

R. Qiu, J. Croom, R. A Ali, A. L. Ballou, C. Smith, C. M. Ashwell, H. M. Hassan, C.-C. Chiang, and M. D. Koci. Direct fed microbial supplementation repartitions host energy to the immune system. Journal of Animal Science. 90:1–13, 2012. 

J. Croom, M. Chichlowski, M. Froetschel, B. W. McBride, R. Qiu and M. D. Koci. The Effects of Direct-Fed Microbial, Primalac®, or Salinomycin Supplementation on Intestinal Lactate Isomers and Cecal Volatile Fatty Acid Concentrations in Broilers.  International Journal of Poultry Science. 8: 128-132, 2009.  

M. Chichlowski, J. Croom, B. W. McBride, L. R. Daniel, G. Davis and M. D. Koci. Direct-Fed Microbial and Salinomycin Modulate Whole Body and Intestinal Oxygen Consumption and Intestinal Mucosal Cytokine Production in the Broiler Chick. Poultry Science. 86:1100-1106, 2007.  

M. Chichlowski, J. Croom, F. Edens, B. W. McBride, R. Qiu, C. C. Chiang, L. R. Daniel, G. W. Havenstein and M. D. Koci. Microarchitecture and Spatial Relationship Between Bacteria and Ileal, Cecal and Colonic Epithelium in Chicks Fed a Direct-Fed Microbial and Salinomycin.  Poultry Science. 86:1121-1132, 2007.