ABSTRACT
In comparison with the small intestine, the colon presents a far more complex immunological challenge. The epithelial barrier here is closely associated with the largest “non-self” entity in the body: the complex commensal fl ora. Although non-invasive in nature, these commensals are not completely benign either. Loss of their containment (in the colon) may lead to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), bacterial translocation and Malabsorption Syndrome (MAS) (8, 42). Dys regulation of host-commensal balance is also thought to be a major determinant(s) of many chronic gastrointestinal diseases like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and/or Infl ammatory Bowel Disorder (IBD) (44).
