Abstract
This project will use a germfree zebrafish model to investigate how the composition of the gut microbiome influences the immune response to bacterial challenge. This is a powerful model in which to pose questions that are difficult to answer in mammalian systems. We aim to discover whether dietary probiotics have a beneficial effect upon immune function; this is an exciting area yet to be thoroughly investigated.
Results from these studies will lead to an understanding of the importance of the microbiome and particular constituent species in educating the immune response in order for the host to resist disease.
References
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