Gut–microbiome dialogue: the unexpected role of epithelial cells

By Elodie Vaz | Published on April 14, 2026 | 4 min read


Interactions between the gut and the intestinal microbiome are essential for proper physiological function. These interactions largely rely on the immune system, which regulates the coexistence between the host and microbial communities.  

However, these mechanisms remain poorly understood during early life, a period when the immune system is still immature. As Professor Pedro Hernandez Cerda, researcher at Inserm and Institut Curie, noted in a press release, “it is precisely during these early stages that the interactions shaping intestinal function are established.” Understanding these early processes is crucial, particularly for better grasping the emergence of digestive or inflammatory disorders.