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Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis (MAP) as a modifying factor in Crohn's disease
Shomik Sibartie1, Paul Scully, John Keohane
1Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
|October 14, 2009
Summary
Crohn's disease patients show increased T-cell proliferation and altered cytokine responses to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). This suggests MAP may be an environmental factor influencing the immune system in Crohn's disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Crohn's disease (CD) is a complex condition with genetic and environmental factors.
- Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is often found in CD tissues, but its role in immune response is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of MAP on T-cell proliferation and cytokine production in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and mesenteric lymph node cells (MLNCs) were collected from IBD patients and controls.
- T-cell proliferation was measured using flow cytometry after MAP exposure.
- Cytokine profiles were analyzed in response to MAP, Listeria monocytogenes (LM), and Salmonella typhimurium (ST).
Main Results:
- PBMCs from CD patients exhibited significantly higher T-cell proliferation in response to MAP compared to ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and healthy controls.
- CD patient PBMCs secreted elevated levels of TNF-alpha and IL-10 when exposed to MAP.
- MLNCs from both CD and UC patients showed increased TNF-alpha and IL-8 production in response to MAP.
Conclusions:
- Elevated T-cell proliferation and altered cytokine profiles in CD patients suggest immune system engagement with MAP.
- These findings support further research into MAP as a potential environmental factor in Crohn's disease pathogenesis.
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