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Effect of inactivated nature-derived microbial composition on mouse immune system
Martín Ignacio González-Rodríguez1, Noora Nurminen1, Laura Kummola1,2
1Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
Immunity, Inflammation and Disease
|December 7, 2021
Summary
Exposure to sterilized forest soil stabilized the gut microbiome and reduced inflammatory cytokines in mice. This suggests biodiversity may benefit immune responses, potentially aiding in managing allergic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiome research
- Environmental health
Background:
- The hygiene hypothesis posits reduced early-life infections due to hygiene standards increase susceptibility to allergic and autoimmune diseases.
- Societal hygiene standards may alter immune system development and gut microbiome composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sterilized forest soil and plant-based material on the murine immune system and gut microbiome.
- To assess potential benefits of controlled environmental exposures in a sterile setting.
Main Methods:
- Inbred C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to autoclaved forest soil-derived powder in bedding for 3 weeks.
- Immune response was assessed via flow cytometry, serum cytokine ELISA, and qPCR.
- Gut microbiome composition was analyzed using sequencing.
Main Results:
- Soil-treated mice exhibited reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-17F and IL-21.
- Splenocytes from treated mice showed decreased expression of IL-1b, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) upon activation.
- The gut microbiome composition in treated mice appeared to stabilize.
Conclusions:
- Biodiversity exposure, specifically soil-based materials, can modulate the murine immune system in sterile environments.
- This modulation may involve a beneficial immune response, potentially relevant for conditions like type 2 inflammation and allergic diseases.
