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GI Microbiota and Regulation of the Immune System pp 29–40Cite as

Overview of the Gastrointestinal Microbiota

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Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((volume 635))

Abstract

The community of microbes that inhabits the mammalian intestinal tract exists in a symbiosis with their host. The structure of this community represents the combined effects of selection pressure on the part of the host and on the part of the microbes themselves. Through recent advances in the field of microbial ecology we are beginning to understand the forces that shape this complex community. We will review what is known about the interaction between the host and the indigenous microbial community. Following this dicussion we will introduce methods that have been used to study the structure, function and dynamics of this community.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA

    Vincent B. Young

  2. Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA

    Thomas M. Schmidt

Authors
  1. Vincent B. Young
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  2. Thomas M. Schmidt
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

    Gary B. Huffnagle PhD

  2. Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA

    Mairi C. Noverr PhD

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© 2008 Landes Bioscience and Springer Science+Business Media

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Young, V.B., Schmidt, T.M. (2008). Overview of the Gastrointestinal Microbiota. In: Huffnagle, G.B., Noverr, M.C. (eds) GI Microbiota and Regulation of the Immune System. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 635. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-09550-9_3

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