The microbiota

Question 1

how do epithelial cells ‘sense’ pathogens?

Answer 1

Pathogens
- TLR5 at basolateral surface or
- intimate adhesion
- detects damage intracellularly (e.g. by ROI)
commensals
- loose attachment

Question 2

How does the cytokines in the microbiota impact the gut

Answer 2

the microbiota produces a cytokine environment that is essential for the development and maturation of lymphocytes and lymphoid tissues
presence of IL-10 and TGF-beta promotes dendritic cells to express phenotypes that limits inflammation
IL-22 promotes maintenance of epithelial barriers
IL-10 and TGF-beta develops paneth cells

Question 3

Microbes and digestion

Answer 3

Enhance digestive efficiency by degrading polysaccharides
Produces vitamin K
Break down plant fibres into smaller molecules that can be used in metabolism