The influence of the microbiome on immune response

Bite sized though or the day:

Gut bacteria may cause rheumatoid arthritis by attacking the immune system. Using an animal model, scientists found that a bacterium, Prevotella copri, trains the immune system to produce Th17 cells, which in turn release molecules that cause inflammation and bone damage in arthritis. Significantly, Prevotella copri was present in 75% of patients' intestines, as determined by fecal sample testing (Science News, 4 November 2013). 

Posted by Tim Sandle