After our successful 2020 symposium in Santiago, Chile, the complex dynamics of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract demanded further exploration. With the oral cavity and intestines being influenced by the interplay of mucosal barriers, microbiota, and environment, there was a growing concern about the health implications when these interactions were disrupted. This was evident in diseases like periodontitis and Crohn’s disease, and in the presence of oral bacteria in cases of colorectal cancer. The existing gaps in understanding the oral–bowel disease connection highlighted the need for specialized collaboration among immunologists, microbiologists, and clinicians. The OralGut 2 Conference at the Karolinska Institute brought together leading researchers, reflected on the significant advancements over the previous four years, and aimed to offer invaluable insights to the broader medical and scientific community.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Yasmine Belkaid
NIH/NIAID - President of Institute Pasteur
Dr. Belkaid has a diverse research background, including parasitology, microbiology, and human immunology. Her group is investigating the connection between microbes and the immune system. Her work aims to understand the factors that control immunity and inflammation, including the effects of environmental stress on host immunity and inflammatory disorders. She is also exploring novel approaches to combat antimicrobial resistance. Recently, she has been appointed as President of the Institute Pasteur
Oliver Pabst
RWTH Aachen - Chair of Molecular Medicine
Dr. Pabst research program is centered in the mucosal immune system, in particular in the gut. More than 70% of the immune cells are located in the gastrointestinal tract and their proper function is essential to avoid inflammatory diseases, food allergies and infections. Gut immune responses are profoundly influenced by the microbiota and environmental material. Thus, research on the gut immune system is of high relevance to human health and the development of new innovative strategies to cure human diseases.
Niki Moutsopoulos
NIH/NIDCR
Dr. Moutsopoulos research focuses on oral-barrier immunity in both health and the inflammatory disease of periodontitis. As this common disease leads to the destruction of tooth-supporting structures and tooth loss, her group aims to understand the mechanisms involved in the susceptibility and pathogenesis of periodontitis. Additionally, her research aims to understand how microbial triggers and host elements regulate oral immunity in health and disease.
Kevin Byrd
Ph.D
Nobuhiko Kamada
Ph.D
Joanne Konkel
Ph.D
Petter Brodin
Ph.D
Ana Maria-Lennon
Ph.D
Emma Slack
Ph.D
Eduardo Villablanca
Ph.D
Gustavo Monasterio
Ph.D
Juliana Barreto de Albuquerque
Ph.D
Claudia Rivera
Ph.D
Elisabeth Nyström
Ph.D
Srustidhar Das
Ph.D
SPONSORS
