Final answer:
C) Gut microbiota aids the development of the host's immune system by interacting with immune cells, influencing their maturation and function, enhancing cellular immune response, and playing a protective role against harmful bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Gut Microbiota Aids in Immune System Development
The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the development and functioning of the host's immune system. Specifically, the microbiota interacts with immune cells, influencing their maturation and function.
This interaction occurs within structures like the Mucosal Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) where cross-talk with the microbiota enhances the cellular immune response, including the activation of macrophages, antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and the release of cytokines.
Moreover, this relationship can modulate the immune response, potentially preventing the onset of autoimmune diseases and allergies.
Microbiota also plays a protective role by producing anti-inflammatory factors and preventing the colonization of harmful bacteria.
Therefore, the most accurate answer to how gut microbiota aids in the development of the host immune system is C) Gut microbiota interacts with immune cells, influencing their maturation and function.