We communicate with our resident microbiota through the language of metabolites. Host-derived metabolites shape the balance between commensals and pathogens, and in turn, microbiota-derived metabolites tune host immune responses. In the Apollo (Stacy) Lab, we decipher metabolic communication between the oral microbiota and host in the settings of gum disease (periodontitis) and oral malignancies. We just opened our doors at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute in September 2022. Join us!