IL-10/microRNA-155/SHIP-1 signaling pathway is crucial for commensal bacteria induced spontaneous colitis

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) microRNA-155 (miR-155)/Src homology 2 domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatase 1 (SHIP-1) signaling pathway plays an important role in maintaining immune homeostasis. We aimed to determine and characterize the changes induced by commensal bacteria on the IL-10/miR-155/SHIP-1 signaling pathway, as well as the potential therapeutic effects of anti-miR-155 on colitis in IL-10 deficient (IL-10(-)/(-)) mice. Age- and sex-matched C57BL/6 IL-10(-)/(-) and wild type mice were transferred from a germ-free environment to a specific pathogen free condition. Part of IL-10(-)/(-) mice were then treated with anti-miR-155. IL-10/miR-155/SHIP-1 signaling pathway was evaluated and the therapeutic effects of anti-miR-155 treatment on colitis in IL-10(-)/(-) mice was assessed. The expression and the relationship of IL-10, miR-155, and SHIP-1 were also measured in patients with active Crohn's colitis. IL-10/miR-155/SHIP-1 signaling pathway was activated in IL-10(-)/(-) mice transferring from a germ-free environment to a specific pathogen free condition. Anti-miR-155 treatment significantly ameliorated the severity of colitis in IL-10(-)/(-) mice. Additionally, administration of anti-miR-155 was associated with a restoration of SHIP-1 signaling pathway. The relationship of IL-10, miR-155, and SHIP-1 was confirmed in human study using samples from patients with active Crohn's colitis. IL-10/miR-155/SHIP-1 pathways play a critical role in commensal bacteria induced colitis and miR-155 may be a potential therapeutic target for human inflammatory bowel disease.