Defining the members of the microbiota that regulate systemic immunity and promote host resistance to infection

Thomas's research aims to determine how the microbiota regulates the immune system and how this promotes host resistance to infection. Multicellular organisms are colonised by large communities of symbiotic bacteria (the microbiota), which are a major regulator of host immunity. Microbiota disruption has been linked to diseases and conditions including cancer, autoimmunity, and reduced host defence to infection. Thomas is aiming to decipher the language of communication between the immune system and microbiota, which is currently poorly understood. The goal of this is to harness the power of the microbiota as a novel way to combat infections.