Publications

The cross-talk between the microbiota and the immune system plays a fundamental role in the control of host physiology. However, the tissue-specific factors controlling this dialogue remain poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that T cell responses to commensal colonization are associated with the development of organized cellular clusters within the skin epithelium. These organized lymphocyte clusters are surrounded by keratinocytes expressing a discrete program associated with antigen presentation and antimicrobial defense. Notably, IL-22-mediated keratinocyte-intrinsic MHC class II expression was required for the selective accumulation of commensal-induced IFN-γ, but not IL-17A-producing CD4 T cells within the skin. Taking these data together, this work uncovers an unexpected role for MHC class II expression by keratinocytes in the control of homeostatic type 1 responses to the microbiota. Our findings have important implications for the understanding of the tissue-specific rules governing the dialogue between a host and its microbiota.

The use of herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) is increasing in the United States and worldwide. Its significant association with liver injury has become a concern, particularly because rates of hepatotoxicity caused by HDS are increasing. There are variety of HDS available, ranging from multi-ingredient substances, to anabolic steroids for bodybuilding purposes, to individual ingredients for purposes of supplementing a diet. This article reviews the impact of liver injury cause by HDS and explores the hepatotoxic potential of such products and their individual ingredients.