Affiliation:
1. Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
Abstract
Animal models are a critical tool in modern biology. To increase reproducibility and to reduce confounding variables modern animal models exclude many microbes, including key natural commensals and pathogens. Here we discuss recent strategies to incorporate a natural microbiota to laboratory mouse models and the impacts the microbiota has on immune responses, with a focus on viruses.
Funder
Foundation for the National Institutes of Health
University of Minnesota McKnight Foundation