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How do the bacteria in our gut interact with our immune system and influence our risk of getting diseases? Tonight we hear how the microbiome (all the microbes in our bodies) is fundamentally linked to our health and well being, and the positives and negatives our microbiota bring.
The microbes in our body: health or disease?
Claire Pearson
(Laboratory Manager)
Dr Lilian Lam
(Research Fellow in Mucosal Immunology)
Claire and Lilian work on how microbes in our gut interact with our immune system, and how changing these interactions can lead to diseases. They will talk about the microbiota (the microbes present all across our body) and the unexpected effects they can have on our body. These effects range from disturbing the immune system in our gut to influencing our brain! Given their wide influence, alterations to the microbiota are linked to a variety of diseases.
Getting your s*** together!
Dr Kevin Maloy
(University Lecturer in Experimental Pathology)
Kevin is working on how the immune system in our gut detects the various microbes that are present and decides whether or not to get rid of them. This equilibrium between tolerance for certain microbes and protection against pathogens is key to our health. Kevin will talk about how we can beneficially alter the microbiota or mimic their symbiotic effects. These techniques will include antibiotics, fermented food and drinks (like beer!), altered diet and the joy of faecal transplant.
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