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Updated: Apr 14, 2026
Investigating Intestinal Inflammation in DSS-induced Model of IBD
Published on: February 1, 2012
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii Strain HTF-F and Its Extracellular Polymeric Matrix Attenuate Clinical Parameters in
Oriana Rossi1, M Tanweer Khan2, Martin Schwarzer3
1Host-Microbe Interactomics Group, Animal Science Department, University of Wageningen, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
A decrease in the abundance and biodiversity of intestinal bacteria within the Firmicutes phylum has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In particular, the anti-inflammatory bacterium Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, member of the Firmicutes phylum and one of the most abundant species in healthy human colon, is underrepresented in the microbiota of IBD patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of F. prausnitzii strain A2-165, the biofilm forming strain HTF-F and the extracellular polymeric matrix (EPM) isolated from strain HTF-F. For this purpose, the immunomodulatory properties of the F. prausnitzii strains and the EPM were studied in vitro using human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Then, the capacity of the F. prausnitzii strains and the EPM of HTF-F to suppress inflammation was assessed in vivo in the mouse dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) colitis model. The F. prausnitzii strains and the EPM had anti-inflammatory effects on the clinical parameters measured in the DSS model but with different efficacy. The immunomodulatory effects of the EPM were mediated through the TLR2-dependent modulation of IL-12 and IL-10 cytokine production in antigen presenting cells, suggesting that it contributes to the anti-inflammatory potency of F. prausnitzii HTF-F. The results show that F. prausnitzii HTF-F and its EPM may have a therapeutic use in IBD.
Insights
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, an anti-inflammatory gut bacterium, shows therapeutic potential for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Its strains and extracellular matrix suppressed inflammation in preclinical models.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Decreased abundance of Firmicutes bacteria, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, is linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- F. prausnitzii is a key anti-inflammatory species in healthy human colons but is underrepresented in IBD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory properties of F. prausnitzii strains (A2-165 and HTF-F) and the extracellular polymeric matrix (EPM) from strain HTF-F.
- To assess the anti-inflammatory capacity of these components in vitro and in vivo models of IBD.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies utilized human monocyte-derived dendritic cells to examine immunomodulatory effects.
- In vivo studies employed the dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) colitis mouse model to evaluate inflammation suppression.
Main Results:
- Both F. prausnitzii strains and the EPM demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in the DSS colitis model.
- The EPM's anti-inflammatory action involved TLR2-dependent modulation of IL-12 and IL-10 cytokine production in antigen-presenting cells.
Conclusions:
- F. prausnitzii strain HTF-F and its EPM exhibit significant anti-inflammatory properties.
- These findings suggest a potential therapeutic application for F. prausnitzii HTF-F and its EPM in managing inflammatory bowel disease.
