Autoimmunity and the Microbiome

Abstract

The microbiome consists of all microorganisms in an environment and their interactions between each other and that of the environment. Its composition can be influenced by many factors including age, host genetics, the environment and diet. There is a very close interaction between the human microbiome and a person's immune system. Whilst, recent studies have better defined the importance of the human microbiome in maintaining human health, growing evidence suggests a disordered microbiome may play an important role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune, allergic and inflammatory disorders. My talk would outline the role of the human microbiome in clinical autoimmune/allergic disorders.