Human Microbiota and Host-Interactions

The teaching aims to provide a deep knowledge of the microbiota functions, both from the microbiological point of view (bacterial composition and function) and from an immunological perspective (protective role of the microbiota and microbiota-host interaction). The teaching has the objective to broaden and consolidate the knowledge related to:
- role and composition of the main bacterial components of the human microbiota, in particular of the gastro-intestinal tract;
- differences between commensal and pathogenic bacteria in terms of virulence factors and interaction with immune system, with particular reference to foodborne diseases;
- dysbiosis definition and characterization by omics-technologies, and the use of probiotics as therapeutic approach to manipulate dysbiosis.
The learning objectives of the practical laboratory activities are to acquire basic cellular microbiology techniques related to the study of host-bacteria interaction, in order to understand the different interactions between pathogen or commensal bacteria and host immune system, and to acquire the ability to critically analyze the results obtained.

By the end of the course, students will be able to define the differences between commensal bacteria and pathogens, to understand the mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity and interaction with the immune system. Students will be able to define the human microbiota in terms of composition and function, and describe in depth the different mechanisms of host-microorganism interaction underlying the innate and adaptive immune system. Students will acquire detailed knowledge and understanding of the gut-microbiota dysbiosis and dysbiosis-driven disease processes.

Through the practical laboratory activities students will be able to use basic methods of cellular microbiology and to apply the cultural skills acquired on the host-microorganism interaction mechanisms. By discussing the results obtained during practical laboratory activities students will develop analytical and scientific communication skills.