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Lysozyme: A Double-Edged Sword in the Intestine
1Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
Trends in Immunology
|November 7, 2020
Summary
Lysozyme in the colon triggers inflammation and experimental inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by altering gut bacteria. This study reveals how lysozyme-secreting Paneth cells contribute to IBD pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Paneth cells secrete lysozyme and are abnormally located in the distal colon of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.
- Elevated fecal lysozyme levels are observed in individuals with IBD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of lysozyme in the pathogenesis of IBD.
- To understand how lysozyme affects the processing of luminal bacteria in the colon.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model to study experimental IBD.
- Analyzed the effects of lysozyme on bacterial processing in the colon.
Main Results:
- Lysozyme-mediated processing of luminal bacteria in the colon triggers a proinflammatory response.
- This process predisposes mice to experimental IBD.
Conclusions:
- Lysozyme plays a critical role in initiating inflammatory responses in the gut.
- Aberrant lysozyme activity contributes to the development of inflammatory bowel disease.
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