The Microbiome and Mucosal Immunity Research Group focusses primarily on the host-microbe interface within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, in particular modulation of intestinal immunity by the gut microbiome. We use molecular based approaches combined with animal models and clinical samples to understand the molecular mechanisms which govern the interplay between the gut microbiome and the host organism, specifically with the intestinal epithelial barrier and innate immunity. The subsequent maintenance of health or development of infectious or inflammatory disease as a result of this interplay is of particular interest. Gastroenteritis, including bacterial infectious diseases, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, while inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs; namely Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis) affect over 2 million people in Europe. Our research has a key focus on IBD and we target Microbiome, Metabolome, cytokine and microRNA networks to understand how healthy immune responses are maintained at the intestinal mucosal barrier and what processes over-ride this during disease or in response to infection. This research has a strong translational focus, maintained by active collaboration with clinician colleagues and industrial biopharma partners, with the aim of identifying therapeutic strategies and dietary interventions including functional food ingredients, postbiotics and environmentally-sourced natural bio-actives to manipulate intestinal immunity and enhance the beneficial aspects of the gut microbiome. The ultimate goal of our work is to boost gut health and reducing the severity of intestinal infectious and inflammatory diseases. Core Research Strands: Regulation of the intestinal epithelial barrier & immunity. The Gut Microbiome and its metabolites Novel regulators