This thesis aimed to provide insight into the role of microbiota-host interactions in the regulation of mucosal and systemic immunity in the context of IBD. Regulation of microbiota composition (e... Show moreThis thesis aimed to provide insight into the role of microbiota-host interactions in the regulation of mucosal and systemic immunity in the context of IBD. Regulation of microbiota composition (e.g. by probiotics and prebiotics) offers the possibility to modulate immune responses and contribute to the prevention and treatment of (autoimmune) - diseases. By evaluating immune modulation capacities of probiotics with genome-wide gene expression profiling in both in vivo and in vitro models, novel mechanisms were identified in which probiotic bacteria modulate immune responses under conditions of homeostasis and inflammation. These new insights will allow more rational selection and validation of probiotic usage in a variety of clinical conditions Show less
