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Escherichia coli bacteria associated with Crohn's disease persist within phagolysosomes
1Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS, INSERM, University PSL, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by an imbalance of intestinal microbiota and a colonization of subepithelial tissues by pathogen and pathobiont bacteria. Adherent invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) strains recovered from CD lesions survive and multiply within macrophages. Persistence is one of the mechanisms deployed by AIEC to tolerate macrophages' attack. The challenging intracellular environment induces a heterogeneity in AIEC LF82 phenotype, including the presence of nongrowing bacteria. This could provide a reservoir for antibiotic-tolerant bacteria responsible for relapsing infections. In this article, we review the conditions leading to AIEC persistence, the relevance of this state for bacterial survival and disease's etiology, and its implication for therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Adherent invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) in Crohn's disease (CD) can persist inside macrophages, forming a reservoir of antibiotic-tolerant bacteria. This persistence contributes to relapsing infections and disease progression, impacting therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Crohn's disease (CD) involves gut microbiota imbalance and bacterial colonization of tissues.
- Adherent invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) strains are found in CD lesions and survive within macrophages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the factors contributing to AIEC persistence within macrophages.
- To discuss the significance of AIEC persistence in CD pathogenesis.
- To explore therapeutic implications of AIEC persistence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on AIEC-macrophage interactions.
- Analysis of bacterial survival mechanisms within host cells.
- Examination of phenotypic heterogeneity in AIEC populations.
Main Results:
- AIEC LF82 exhibits phenotypic heterogeneity, including nongrowing bacteria, within macrophages.
- This intracellular persistence is a survival mechanism against macrophage defenses.
- Persistent AIEC may act as a reservoir for antibiotic tolerance.
Conclusions:
- AIEC persistence is a key factor in Crohn's disease, enabling bacterial survival and contributing to disease etiology.
- Understanding AIEC persistence is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies against relapsing infections in CD.
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