Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Adapting Gastrointestinal Organoids for Pathogen Infection and Single Cell Sequencing under Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Conditions
07:59

Adapting Gastrointestinal Organoids for Pathogen Infection and Single Cell Sequencing under Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Conditions

Published on: September 10, 2021

Adenoviruses in lymphocytes of the human gastro-intestinal tract

Soumitra Roy1, Roberto Calcedo, Angelica Medina-Jaszek

  • 1Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Transfusion Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America.

Plos One
|October 8, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Adenoviruses are frequently found in the gut's lymphocytes, suggesting they are a normal part of the human gut flora. This study detected adenoviral DNA in intestinal tissues and lymphocytes of numerous healthy individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Persistent adenoviral shedding occurs post-infection.
  • The prevalence of adenoviruses in the normal gut flora is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of adenovirus colonization in the human gut.
  • To investigate the presence and characteristics of adenoviral DNA in intestinal tissues and lymphocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Nested and quantitative PCR were used to detect adenoviral DNA in intestinal tissue and lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs).
  • Adenoviral sequences were identified and compared to known species.
  • Adenoviral gene expression was assessed via mRNA amplification in LPLs.

Main Results:

  • Adenoviral DNA was detected in intestinal tissue from 21/58 donors and LPLs from 21/24 donors.
  • Adenovirus species E, B, and C were identified, with multiple sequences often present.
  • Adenoviral DNA was found in CD4+ and CD8+ LPLs, with copy numbers ranging from hundreds to millions.
  • Active adenoviral gene expression was confirmed in 9/11 donors.

Conclusions:

  • Adenoviral DNA is highly prevalent in gastro-intestinal lymphocytes.
  • These findings indicate that adenoviruses may be a component of the normal human gut flora.

More Related Videos

Adenoviral Transduction of Naive CD4 T Cells to Study Treg Differentiation15:33

Adenoviral Transduction of Naive CD4 T Cells to Study Treg Differentiation

Published on: August 13, 2013

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture11:14

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture

Published on: October 12, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Bacteriophages of the Human Virome01:23

Bacteriophages of the Human Virome

Bacteriophages are found throughout the human body. They may even outnumber eukaryotic viruses, forming an important and dynamic component of the human virome. Indeed, phages represent the most abundant viral entities, with densities in the gut reaching up to 10⁹ particles per gram of fecal matter, and many belonging to orders such as Caudovirales and Microviridae, while a substantial proportion remains unclassified as viral “dark matter.”Lysogeny and Genetic ExchangeIn the gut, bacteriophages...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Lymphoid Cells and Tissues01:18

Lymphoid Cells and Tissues

Lymphoid cells and tissues are integral to the immune system, which is crucial in maintaining our body's defense against harmful pathogens. They form the building blocks of lymphoid organs, which include the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes.
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...