Seminar: How the infant gut microbiome shapes childhood allergic disease: data from the CHILD Cohort Study

Abstract: Asthma and allergies affect approximately one in three children, making research focused on prevention crucial. I study the microorganisms in our intestines, known as the gut microbiota, to help prevent allergies. After birth, babies encounter microorganisms that colonize and form their microbiota. This process, called microbiota maturation, takes years. These microorganisms support development, provide nutrients, and shape the immune system, influencing whether a child develops allergies. My research suggests that a core set of microorganisms and their products may shape the early-life gut environment and impact allergy outcomes, further expanding our understanding of the early-life gut microbiota.