Mammalian barrier surfaces host complex microbial communities whose combined membership outnumbers our own cells by at least a factor of ten. Recent studies have highlighted the fundamental role of these microbes in the maintenance of host homeostasis. For instances, commensals can play a major role in the control of host defense, metabolism and tissue development. This symbiotic relationship however bears a constant threat to the host. In the gut in particular, reactivity against intestinal flora poses a substantial risk that can lead to severe tissue damage. Thus sites exposed to commensals must be able to tolerate constant exposure to innocuous antigens while maintaining the capacity to rapidly respond to encounters with pathogens. These conflicting pressures confront the host immune system defending the GI tract with a unique challenge. Our work explores how the microflora, regulatory T cells and dietary metabolites control tissue function and in a context specific manner, control pathogens expansion as well as their immunopathologic consequences. To address these issues, we are focusing our research on the dermal parasite (Leishmania major) and gastrointestinal pathogens, Cryptosporidium and Microsporidium and Toxoplasma spp. We are exploring the mechanisms by which regulatory T cells are induced or manipulated in the context of exposure to food antigen, commensals or pathogens. In particular, we are assessing the function of the microbiota or microbiota derived signals in the control of pathogen infection and pathogenesis
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