Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology – Mikrobiologický ústav AV ČR, v. v. i.

Host-Microbe Interactions

Kverka Lab

The Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology investigates the interactions between host and microbes in relation to host function and/or health. The involvement of the microbiome in the development or maintenance of diseases is studied in animal models such as conventional or germ-free mice, but also in human patients, thanks to collaborations with major medical institutions involved in applied research on human diseases. Major diseases studied in the context of the microbiome include inflammatory bowel disease, eating and sleep disorders, autoimmune uveitis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson´s disease, lymph node tumors, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The investigation of adaptive immune mechanisms is then focused on autoimmune diseases such as coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes.

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Focus of research

Mucosal immunity

The impact of the microbiota on mental health

Autoimmune disease

Mucosal immunity

The main research areas of the laboratory are innate and adaptive immunity on mucosal surfaces. Host-microbe interactions influence the physiological functions of the host. Many multifactorial diseases result from an impaired mucosal barrier or altered immune responses to components of the gut microbiota.

The impact of the microbiota on mental health

Not only the intestinal tract of the host itself, but also the microbiota present can influence the function of the central nervous system. The bidirectional interaction between the gut and the brain via the brain-gut-microbiota axis involves neuronal, hormonal and immunological communication.

Autoimmune disease

The antibody response against antigens and autoantigens is an essential component of adaptive immune mechanisms. However, the effects of the antibodies produced on human health are pleiotropic and depend on their heterogeneity, i.e. isotype ratio, specificity and affinity.