Microbes influence and respond to other organisms. This theme explores the dynamic relationships within plant and animal microbiomes, and the immune responses that govern host defense. Using model systems such as zebrafish, insects, and plants, we investigate fundamental processes and engineer microbes and microbiomes to support sustainable health and resilience across species.

Strengths

• We use unique model systems with hosts with editable trait sets, such as zebrafish and insects and plants
• We study individual host-microbe interactions in the context of entire microbiomes
• We disentangle molecular pathways involved in host-microbe interactions
• We steer host-microbe interactions to improve human, animal and agricultural crop health
• We combine chemical, molecular, genetic ecological interactions

Clusters

The IBL is organised in three multidisciplinary clusters: Animal Sciences, Plant Sciences and Microbial Sciences. Each cluster brings its qualities to the research theme Host-Microbe Interactions to improve research and to strengthen the collaborations within and outside the institute. See for more information on the clusters' contribution to Host-Microbe Interactions:

• Host-Microbe Interactions in Animal Sciences
• Host-Microbe Interactions in Plant Sciences
• Host-Microbe Interactions in Microbial Sciences