We put forward new conceptual and theoretical pathways for studying and elucidating the process of host-microbiome symbiosis, with two main subprojects:
- We propose to develop a new theory regarding how an organism’s immune system and its resident microbial communities sense and manage each other;
- We explore how the microbiome may influence cancer development and dissemination.
We expand this question by showing the importance of considering the way in which the microbiome constructs local niches in the organism. We do so by combining insights coming from ecology and evolution (especially niche construction theory) with insights coming from central conceptual and theoretical frameworks in current cancer biology (such as the concept of tumor microenvironment, immunological theories, etc.)
Funding: Moore Foundation (PI: T. Pradeu)
