The Immune System Promotes a Healthy Bacterial Community in the Gut (IMAGE)

University of Utah Health

The Immune System Promotes a Healthy Bacterial Community in the Gut

Caption

(Left) When the immune system functions properly (MyD88 is active, green), IgA antibodies bind multiple species of bacteria, keeping the numbers and types of 'good' bacteria that inhabit the gut under control. (Right) When the immune system is disrupted (MyD88 is inactive, gray), IgA binds bacteria less effectively, and the bacterial community becomes imbalanced, jeopardizing digestive health.

Credit

Charisse Peterson

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credit Charisse Peterson

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