Figure 1From: Role of commensal and probiotic bacteria in human health: a focus on inflammatory bowel diseaseCommensal bacteria cross talk with the host. Commensal bacteria supply the host with essential nutrients and defend the host against opportunistic pathogens. They are involved in the development of the intestinal architecture and immunomodulatory processes. On the other hand, the host provides the bacteria with nutrients and a stable environment.Back to article page