Interactions of the microbiota with the mucosal immune system.

The field of mucosal immunology has, for the last 10 years, been largely dominated by advances in our understanding of the commensal microbiota. Developments of novel experimental methodologies and analysis techniques have provided unparalleled insight into the profound impact the microbiota has on the development and function of the immune system. In this cross-journal review series published in Immunology and Clinical and Experimental Immunology, we aim to summarize the current state of research concerning the interplay between the microbiota and mucosal immunity. In addition, the series examines how the increased understanding of the microbiota is changing the nature of immunological research, both in the laboratory and in the clinic.