The International Microbiome Centre
The microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria, parasites, viruses, and other microorganisms that live inside (and on) people and animals. They interact with our immune system, and when the balance and the interaction goes wrong it can lead to a host of problems including autoimmune diseases, allergies, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. However, we don't yet understand exactly how that interaction works, and that is where the International Microbiome Centre (IMC) comes in.Â
Researchers at the IMC study changes in the microbiome under highly controlled conditions. Research includes using gnotobiotic or germ-free mouse models to learn how specific microbes can influence the immune system and overall health of these organisms.
Learn more here.