The Jang Lab delves into the complex interactions among gut microbiota, intestinal epithelium, and immune system in response to the diverse array of inflammation-promoting factors encountered throughout our lives. Our focus extends to the surfaces of our body, particularly the gastrointestinal tract, which houses trillions of bacteria constituting our microbiome. These microbial members influence the development of our immune system, thereby impacting conditions ranging from acute infectious diseases to chronic immune disorders like inflammatory bowel disease. We strive to elucidate the molecular-level interactions between cellular processes and microbial factors that dictate susceptibility to inflammatory diseases through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing microbiology, cell biology, developmental biology, immunology, and genetics. Our ultimate goal is to leverage this knowledge to devise strategies for treating infectious and inflammatory diseases by reinstating a harmonious balance among microbes, intestinal epithelium, and immune system.