Projects

We are interested in the dynamic interplay between the gut microbiota and the innate and adaptive immune systems

Keywords: gut microbiota, microbiome, immune system, germ-free, gnotobiotic, mouse models

Using germ-free and gnotobiotic mouse models help our research group to understand how exposure to intestinal microbes early in life educates and regulates the developing immune system, and how this impacts susceptibility to immune-mediated diseases such as allergy and autoimmunity. Research into the gut microbiome requires the isolation of individual bacteria in animal models in order to rule out other environmental factors. 

While more research is necessary, we are optimistic that new therapies will be developed that harness the power of the gut microbiome. The International Microbiome Centre (IMC) at the University of Calgary has a state-of-the-art germ-free facility, which provides the perfect space to investigate individualized effects of the microbiome on health and disease.