Your Location Within Site:
Gut health and immune development
We are applying our expertise in the structural analysis of complex carbohydrates to better understand the role of beneficial bacteria in human gut health. Our current research projects include collaborations with other New Zealand groups that have complimentary research interests
The gastrointestinal tract of a normal human foetus is germ-free but is rapidly colonised by bacteria from the mother and the surrounding environment after birth. Beneficial bacteria, particularly bifidobacteria, are known to have a key role in the development of a normal immune system.
These bacteria ‘educate’ the developing immune system as it samples the carbohydrate-based structures on their surfaces. The presence of these bacteria eventually causes individuals to be less susceptible to allergens or atopic disease (asthma, eczema, hayfever) throughout their lives.
The role of carbohydrate analysis
Our analysis of the carbohydrates (polysaccharides and glycolipids) on the surface of the bacteria allows the identification of the key structures that stimulate the immune system towards a tolerant, rather than allergic, phenotype.
We are currently working with Dr Elizabeth Forbes-Blom at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research who is developing animal models to determine the role of glycolipids and other surface components from gut bacteria in the allergic immune response.
Encouraging beneficial bacteria
A greater understanding of the beneficial role that certain gut bacteria play will enable us to encourage the growth of these organisms in the gut. Prebiotics (non-digestible food ingredients such as oligosaccharides) are known to promote the growth and activity of such beneficial gut bacteria in humans.
We are investigating the effects of different prebiotic carbohydrate substrates on the growth and proliferation of beneficial bifidobacteria. Current projects involve collaborations with Dr Juliet Ansell of the Food & Nutrition Science Group at Plant and Food Research and Prof Gerald Tannock of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago.