The overarching subject of the course is to describe how gut commensal organisms are involved in the maintenance of human health. The course uses a collection of recently published, ground-breaking, and exciting new discoveries on the subject. We make connections between diet, gut colonization with commensal organisms, metabolites released by the commensal organisms, and maintenance of health. We also discuss the role of commensals when health is perturbed during conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and infection. Students learn what changes in the commensal communities co-occur with the different diseased states. Under the commensal-neurodegenerative disease topic, we explore the contribution of commensal-derived metabolites to the development and progression of autism, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's diseases. Under the commensal-cancer topic, we examine how the efficacy of current biologics for cancer treatment depends on commensal colonizers. Lastly, we explore how commensal species alter immune responses to determine susceptibility to infections. This is a highly interactive course, where students may suggest and select favorite topics to explore and present during section discussions. Students can also suggest innovative future research directions based what they have learned during our meetings.
