In the world of immunology, the gut is garnering new respect. Cayla Rodia, a doctoral student in the Department of Nutritional Sciences, is fascinated with the intestine’s involvement with the immune system.
“I love the intestine and I really think it is the most underrated organ,” Rodia says. “People used to think it was simply for digestion, but we’re learning it has so many interconnected abilities. Seventy percent of the immune system is in the gut.”
“The gut immune system is in constant contact with potential antigens,” she continues. “That system has to be working correctly to prevent inflammatory or immune responses elsewhere.”
