Microbiology and Immunology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC)) are debilitating disorders of the gut of unknown etiology. The cause(s) of IBD are unknown but are thought to involve environmental triggers in genetically susceptible individuals leading to uncontrolled inflammation. The environmental cues are unknown but are likely mediated by changes in the microbiome of the gut. We study the immunology of IBD using genetically engineered mouse models and cell culture systems. We are especially interested in the innate immune system as a trigger for IBD, as well as the interaction between the innate immune system and the gut microbiome.