Abstract
Chronic inflammatory diseases are often associated with changes in the microbiota, generally termed dysbiosis. It is thought that specific members of the microbiota can promote inflammation, while others induce regulatory components of the immune system. To better understand the host-microbiota in chronic inflammatory diseases, we are applying single cell technologies to investigate both phenotypic changes on the level of the microbiota, as well as their influence on adaptive immunity. We characterize the bacterial phenotypic signature by assessing host immunoglobulin coating and surface sugar expression. Using this approach, we can use multi-parametric flow cytometry analysis of the microbiota for classification of chronic inflammatory diseases and perhaps even therapy prediction for personalized medicine approaches. Linking microbial phenotypes and their functions with immune functions, we hope to draw a detailed picture of the role of the microbiota in homeostasis and chronic inflammation.