Reciprocal interactions between the intestinal microbiota and immunoglobulin A

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The gut is permanently colonized with a dense and complex population of microorganisms, collectively known as microbiota. It is well know that components of the microbiota, such as commensal gut bacteria, induce IgA type antibodies. These antibodies in turn bind commensal bacteria and control their growth and expansion in the host organism. Thus the IgA system substantially contributes to control the intricate balance between protective immunity and tolerance in the gut. Disturbance of this system can result in immunopathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhea. In this project we exploit newly available high-throughput sequencing technologies to analyse the interrelation between the IgA system and the microbiota. Specifically we aim at:1) Studying adaptation of the IgA system in response to changes in the microbiota, e.g. after antibiotic therapy.2) Determining the microbe-specificity of IgA antibodies and3) Examining the impact of the IgA system on the microbiota.These experiments will help to better understand how pathological misbalances between immunity and tolerance can develop and trigger disturbance of the microbiota. Moreover, these experiments might have profound effects on the development of oral vaccines.