The innate immune system is the oldest protection strategy that is conserved across all
organisms. Although having an unspecific action, it is the first and fastest defense�…

Background Emerging evidence suggests that the in utero environment is not sterile as once
presumed. Work in the mouse demonstrated transmission of commensal bacteria from�…

The colonization of the gut with microbes in early life is critical to the developing newborn
immune system, metabolic function and potentially future health. Maternal microbes are�…

Interaction with colonizing intestinal bacteria is essential for healthy intestinal and
immunological development in infancy. Advances in understanding early host–microbe�…

Communities of microbiota have been associated with numerous health outcomes, and
while much emphasis has been placed on the gastrointestinal niche, there is growing�…

Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of microbial DNA in the fetal environment.
However, it remains unclear whether this DNA represents viable bacteria and how it relates�…

Allergic disease prevalence has increased significantly in recent decades. Primary
prevention efforts are being guided by study of the exposome (or collective environmental�…

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex inflammatory disorder with multiple interactions between
genetic, immune and external factors. The sum of external factors that an individual is�…

Over the past decade, the role of the microbiome in regulating metabolism, immune function
and behavior in humans has become apparent. It has become clear that the placenta is not�…

Microbes colonize the human body during the first moments of life and coexist with the host
throughout the lifespan. Intestinal microbiota and their metabolites aid in the programming of�…