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The incidence of autoimmune- and inflammatory diseases has increased worldwide. Changes in environmental factors such as a modern lifestyle, dietary habits, antibiotic use and hygiene, are hypothesized to have a critical role, in part through modulation of the lung, skin and gut microbiome. Indeed, alterations in the lung, skin and gut microbiome have been demonstrated in a range of autoimmune- and inflammatory diseases.
Microbiome continually shapes host immunity and metabolism. Therefore, alterations in the microbiome could have implications for tolerance to food antigens, immune responses, intestinal and skin barrier functions.
The Greater Copenhagen region’s excellent research environments combine clinical cohorts, preclinical models and laboratory work to get a better understanding of the links between the microbiome and immune-related diseases in various age- and patient groups. Such research collaborations are facilitating the emergence of new treatment and disease management strategies, which represent opportunities for the food ingredients business and the pharmaceutical industry. Companies in the region are now teaming up with university groups to unleash the potential in this area.
Download and explore the list of research environments involved in this area:
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Examples of publications led by researchers affiliated to the region
Stokholm et al. (2018) Maturation of the gut microbiome and risk of asthma in childhood. Nature Communications
Fischer et al. (2015) Altered microbiota in microscopic colitis. Gut
Examples of projects within the segment
Influence of microbes on development of skin diseases - Investigating the role of the human skin microbiome in different skin diseases