The host and microbiota have evolved mechanisms for coexistence over
millions of years. Accumulating evidence indicates that a dynamic
mutualism between the host and the commensal microbiota has important
implications for health, and microbial colonization
contributes to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis.
However, alterations in communication between the mucosal immune system
and gut microbial communities have been implicated as the core defect
that leads to development of chronic intestinal
inflammation and cancer as well as other diseases, such as diabetes,
obesity etc. Dr. Yingzi Cong’s basic research programs focus on
investigating host immune system, microbiome interaction in the
intestines, pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel
disease, and development of mucosal vaccines, which are based on the
analysis of unique murine models of inflammatory bowel disease using a
battery of reagents that have been developed recently. A number of
research projects are underway in his laboratory
and these NIH funded studies involve a number of significant
collaborations both at UTMB as well as with other Universities and
Research Institutes. Specifically, individual projects include:
- The role of T cells reactive to commensal bacterial antigens in mucosal immunity and pathogenesis of IBD.
- Gut microbiome and its metabolites regulation of host immune responses and experimental colitis.
- microRNA regulation of host response to commensal bacteria and pathogenesis of IBD.
- Regulation of intestinal IgA response to microbiota and pathogens
- Development of mucosal vaccines