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Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
Published on: January 21, 2018
Exacerbation of allergic rhinitis by the commensal bacterium Streptococcus salivarius
Ping Miao1,2, Yiming Jiang3, Ying Jian1
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Allergic rhinitis (AR)-commonly called hay fever-is a widespread condition that affects the quality of life of millions of people. The pathophysiology of AR remains incompletely understood. In particular, it is unclear whether members of the colonizing nasal microbiota contribute to AR. Here, using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, we show that the nasal microbiome of patients with AR (n = 55) shows distinct differences compared with that from healthy individuals (n = 105), including decreased heterogeneity and the increased abundance of one species, Streptococcus salivarius. Using ex vivo and in vivo models of AR, we demonstrate that this commensal bacterium contributes to AR development, promoting inflammatory cytokine release and morphological changes in the nasal epithelium that are characteristic of AR. Our data indicate that this is due to the ability of S. salivarius to adhere to the nasal epithelium under AR conditions. Our study indicates the potential of targeted antibacterial approaches for AR therapy.
Insights
The nasal microbiome differs in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients, with increased Streptococcus salivarius. This bacterium promotes AR symptoms, suggesting new antibacterial treatment strategies for hay fever.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis (AR), or hay fever, is a common condition impacting millions globally.
- The precise mechanisms driving AR pathophysiology are not fully understood.
- The role of the nasal microbiome in AR development is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in the nasal microbiome between AR patients and healthy individuals.
- To determine if specific nasal bacteria contribute to AR development.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for AR based on microbial interactions.
Main Methods:
- 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing was employed to analyze the nasal microbiome composition.
- Ex vivo and in vivo models were utilized to study the effects of bacteria on AR.
- Assessment of inflammatory cytokine release and nasal epithelial morphology.
Main Results:
- Nasal microbiomes of AR patients exhibited distinct differences from healthy controls, notably reduced diversity.
- An increased abundance of Streptococcus salivarius was observed in AR patients.
- S. salivarius was shown to promote AR-like inflammatory responses and epithelial changes in experimental models, linked to its adherence.
Conclusions:
- The nasal commensal bacterium Streptococcus salivarius contributes to allergic rhinitis pathogenesis.
- Altered nasal microbiota composition, specifically increased S. salivarius, is associated with AR.
- Targeted antibacterial therapies may offer a novel approach for managing allergic rhinitis.
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