askoemnzviwcasf t1_ivpbyev wrote on November 9, 2022 at 5:04 PM

Reply to comment by TaiCookie in How does our body's immune system distinguish between pathogenic microorganisms and commensal? by blue_sloth999

Yes and no, separation is an important part of keeping microbes out of areas where they can cause damage however the immune system regulates all microbes to some extent and recognizes them based on a variety of factors but some have a privileged status. This isn't really my area but commensal microbes engage in crosstalk with the immune system which is necessary for long term colonization.

Here's an article with more information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4109969/

blue_sloth999 OP t1_ivpfvxx wrote on November 9, 2022 at 5:29 PM

Thanks so much for your help!