To my understanding, the way this idea is being applied in research is new. There is a difference between the presence of germs 'boosting' the immune system and

To my understanding, the way this idea is being applied in research is new. There is a difference between the presence of germs 'boosting' the immune system and a lack of germs causing the immune system to target -- and severely damage -- the entirely wrong enemy, as in the case of an autoimmune disorder.