Swagatika 
In this article, I provide a brief overview of how the intestinal immune system recognizes and responds to pathogens. Intestine and Pathogens Most organisms that live in harmony with us are not harmful and help create a tolerant environment in the intestines. The gut immune system ensures a safe separation between the epithelial surfaces and … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe how various innate and adaptive cell types promote immune homeostasis in the intestine. Our Gastrointestinal Tract It is a tube-like structure running from the mouth to the anus. The gastrointestinal tract maintains our commensal microbiome and regulates local and systemic immune responses. Our gastrointestinal tract deals with billions of … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly explain the disparity in immunity in the small and large intestines. Distinct Immunity in Small and Large Intestine The small and large intestines manage their relationship with the microbiome by sharing general strategies. However, the physiology of each section is distinct, as are the microbial communities and immune cells that … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe the negative regulation of B-cell activation. B-cell activation and control Presentation of antigens via MHC and receiving co-stimulatory signals (CD40-CD40L) from TH2 cells, results in the activation of B cells (figure 1). Following activation, B cells undergo cycles of mutation and selection to produce high-affinity memory B cells and … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe the types of associations among soil microorganisms. Microbial Ecosystem The total microbial flora along with the soil’s physical composition and physical characteristics, includes the microbial ecosystem. It is the sum of the biotic and abiotic components of soil. The soil microorganisms exhibit many different types of interactions or associations. … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe the application of gene cloning in medicine. Gene Cloning Gene cloning begins with isolating and inserting a specific gene into a vector. The vector is then introduced into a host organism. It makes multiple, identical copies of a particular gene or DNA segment. The host organism then replicates, producing … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe the application of gene cloning in producing recombinant proteins. Gene cloning It is a molecular biology technique that makes identical copies of a particular piece of DNA, or gene. A target gene is introduced into a circular piece of DNA called a plasmid in a cloning experiment. The plasmid … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe the types of cloning vehicles and their properties. Cloning vehicle In a gene cloning experiment, a cloning vehicle plays a central role in transporting the gene into the host cell and is responsible for its replication. Plasmids and bacteriophages act as vectors for transporting genes. The vector carries the … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe western blotting and its applications. Western blotting The technique of identifying a specific protein in a complex mixture of proteins is known as western blotting. This was developed by Towbin, et al. in 1979. It is also called immunoblotting as an antibody is specifically used to detect its antigen. … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe Northern blotting and its applications. Northern blotting It is a laboratory technique, which studies gene expression by detecting a specific RNA sequence in a blood or tissue sample. Northern blotting was first developed in 1977 by James Alwine, David Kemp, and George Stark at Stanford University. The name was … Read more >>