“…2,3 Abnormal bacterial adherence and internalization by epithelial cells has been reported in patients and experimental models with colorectal cancers, [4][5][6] inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), 7,8 celiac disease, 9,10 chronic psychological stress, 11,12 surgical manipulation, 13 intestinal obstruction, 14,15 and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection. 16 Recent evidence suggests that mucosa-associated bacteria may contribute to pathological phenomena since many exhibit adherent and invasive characteristics, and are therefore termed 'pathobionts' (a commensal with the potential to cause disease; see review papers elsewhere). 17,18 However, from the host's point of view, epithelial barrier dysfunction is an indispensable factor underlying the process of bacterial influx, irrespective of their commensal origins or pathogenic properties.…”