Impact of the microbiome on health and disease
The Department of Microbiome Research of the Uniklinikum Erlangen is dedicated to decipher the microbiome and its impact on human health and disease. The microbiome is the entirety of all microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi and protozoa) that colonize a macroorganism (human, animal). We already know, that the microbiome plays a vital role in virtually every aspect of human physiology. However, there are only a few detailed insights into the complex interplay between the host and its microorganisms. Therefore, the Department of Microbiome Research investigates these interactions for a wide range of human diseases of global importance, including cancer, infectious diseases, allergies, autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases and cardiovascular diseases. The knowledge gained from our studies opens up a promising window of opportunity and therefore has great potential for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.