Abstract of the research focus in Mathias Hornef's group

The focus of my group's research is the interaction between commensal and pathogenic microorganisms with the mucosal immune system in the small intestine. In particular, we are interested in the situation of the neonate host that transits from the environmentally protected and sterile situation in utero to microbial and environmental exposure after birth on its way to establish a stable host-microbial homeostasis. This is reflected by many striking structural and functional differences between the neonate and adult intestinal epithelium and mucosal immune system. Beside a better understanding the mutual interaction between commensal bacteria and the host we aim at identifying age-specific differences in the antimicrobial host response and susceptibility to infection with enteropathogenic microorganisms such as enteric Salmonella, enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Listeria monocytogenes, rotavirus, and Giardia lamblia. These pathogens cause a very significant morbidity and – particularly in the infant population – also a significant mortality worldwide. We hope that a better understanding of the feto-neonatal transition of the intestinal mucosa, the postnatal establishment of host-microbial homeostasis and the protective immune response to infection will contribute to reduce childhood mortality and reduce long-term sequelae.