The crosstalk between gut bacteria and host immunity in intestinal inflammation

Abstract The gut of mammals is considered as a harmonious ecosystem mediated by intestinal microbiota and the host. Both bacteria and mammalian immune cells show region‐related distribution characteristics, and the interaction between the two could be demonstrated by synergetic roles in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and dysregulation in intestinal inflammation. The harmonious interplay between bacteria and host requires fine‐tuned regulations by environmental and genetic factors. Thus, the disturbed immune response to microbial components or metabolites and dysbiosis related to immunodeficiency are absolute risk factors to intestinal inflammation and cancer. In this review, we discuss the crosstalk between bacteria and host immunity in the gut and highlight the critical roles of bidirectional regulation between bacteria and the mammalian immune system involved in intestinal inflammation.