Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

In Vivo Augmentation of Gut-Homing Regulatory T Cell Induction
Published on: January 22, 2020
Microbiota-induced regulatory T cells associate with FUT2-dependent susceptibility to rotavirus gastroenteritis
Emmanuelle Godefroy1, Laure Barbé1, Béatrice Le Moullac-Vaidye1
1Inserm, CNRS, Immunology and New Concepts in ImmunoTherapy, INCIT, UMR 1303/EMR6001, Nantes Université, Nantes, France.
The FUT2 gene influences rotavirus gastroenteritis risk and gut microbiota composition. The wild-type FUT2 allele links to rotavirus antibodies and regulatory T cells, potentially protecting against inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Background:
- The FUT2 enzyme synthesizes fucosylated glycans, crucial for pathogen attachment like noroviruses and rotaviruses (RVAs), causing childhood gastroenteritis.
- FUT2 genetic variations impact RVA susceptibility and resistance, with the wild-type allele linked to susceptibility but paradoxically associated with protection against inflammatory diseases.
- FUT2's role in microbiota composition is known, but its specific link to immune responses and inflammatory conditions remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the wild-type FUT2 allele, rotavirus gastroenteritis risk, gut microbiota, and regulatory T cell induction in healthy adults.
- To explore the connection between FUT2 genotype, anti-RVA antibody presence, and the frequency of gut microbiota-induced DP8α regulatory T cells (Tregs).
- To determine if Faecalibacterium prausnitzii abundance correlates with the FUT2 wild-type allele and DP8α Treg induction.
Main Methods:
- Studied a cohort of young healthy adults.
- Assessed the association between FUT2 genotype and the presence of anti-RVA antibodies (neutralizing and IgA).
- Quantified the frequency of gut microbiota-induced DP8α Tregs and fecal F. prausnitzii proportion.
Main Results:
- The wild-type FUT2 allele was associated with the presence of anti-RVA antibodies, confirming its link to RVA gastroenteritis risk.
- Wild-type FUT2 allele correlated with DP8α Treg frequency, specifically in individuals with anti-RVA antibodies.
- Fecal abundance of F. prausnitzii was also associated with the wild-type FUT2 allele.
Conclusions:
- The FUT2 genotype links RVA gastroenteritis risk, gut microbiota composition, and DP8α Treg induction.
- The anti-RVA immune response may involve DP8α Tregs, potentially induced by F. prausnitzii.
- This mechanism suggests a pathway where FUT2 influences immune balance, conferring protection against inflammatory diseases.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine
Microbiota of the Large Intestine
Functions of the Gut Microbiota
Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics
Bacterial Gastroenteritis

