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Updated: Dec 26, 2025
Intralymphatic Immunotherapy and Vaccination in Mice
Published on: February 2, 2014
Oral Administration of Flavonifractor plautii Strongly Suppresses Th2 Immune Responses in Mice
Tasuku Ogita1, Yoshinari Yamamoto2, Ayane Mikami3
1Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan.
Abstract:
The bacterium Flavonifractor plautii (FP), which is found in human feces, has been reported to participate in catechin metabolism in the gut, but this bacterium's effects on immune function are unclear. We assessed the effect of oral administration of FP on the immune response in ovalbumin (OVA) -sensitized mice. We demonstrated that the FP treatment suppressed interleukin (IL)-4 in splenocytes and OVA-specific IgE production in serum from OVA-sensitized mice. Moreover, oral administration of FP augmented CD4+CD25+ T cells and CD103+CD11c+ DCs. In animals of the FP group, the proportion of FP was increased in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), as was the proportion of Deferribacteres in the cecum. Oral administration of FP may inhibit the Th2 immune response by incorporation into the MLNs and/or by inducing changes in the gut microbiota. Thus, FP may be useful in alleviating antigen-induced Th2 immune responses.
Insights
Flavonifractor plautii (FP) administration suppressed allergic immune responses in mice. This gut bacterium may help alleviate antigen-induced Th2 immune responses by modulating the gut microbiota.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gut Microbiome Research
Background:
- The gut bacterium Flavonifractor plautii (FP) is known for catechin metabolism.
- Its impact on host immune function remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of oral Flavonifractor plautii administration.
- To assess its potential role in regulating Th2-mediated immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice were orally administered FP.
- Immune responses, including cytokine production, antibody levels, and immune cell populations, were analyzed.
- Gut microbiota composition and FP colonization in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) were examined.
Main Results:
- FP administration suppressed interleukin-4 (IL-4) in splenocytes and OVA-specific IgE production.
- Increased populations of CD4+CD25+ T cells and CD103+CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs) were observed.
- FP colonization was detected in MLNs, and cecal microbiota composition changed.
Conclusions:
- Oral FP administration may inhibit Th2 immune responses.
- Mechanisms include potential colonization of MLNs and modulation of gut microbiota.
- FP shows promise for alleviating antigen-induced Th2 immune responses.
