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Characterizing the Pathogenic Potential of Crohn's Disease-Associated Adherent-Invasive Escherichia coli
Megan T Zangara1, Lena Darwish1, Brian K Coombes1,2,3
1Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
The microbiome of Crohn's disease (CD) patients is composed of a microbial community that is considered dysbiotic and proinflammatory in nature. The overrepresentation of Enterobacteriaceae species is a common feature of the CD microbiome, and much attention has been given to understanding the pathogenic role this feature plays in disease activity. Over 2 decades ago, a new Escherichia coli subtype called adherent-invasive E. coli (AIEC) was isolated and linked to ileal Crohn's disease. Since the isolation of the first AIEC strain, additional AIEC strains have been isolated from both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and non-IBD individuals using the original in vitro phenotypic characterization methods. Identification of a definitive molecular marker of the AIEC pathotype has been elusive; however, significant advancements have been made in understanding the genetic, metabolic, and virulence determinants of AIEC infection biology. Here, we review the current knowledge of AIEC pathogenesis to provide additional, objective measures that could be considered in defining AIEC and their pathogenic potential.
Insights
Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) is linked to Crohn's disease. This review explores AIEC pathogenesis and proposes objective measures for defining its pathogenic potential in inflammatory bowel disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by a dysbiotic and proinflammatory gut microbiome.
- Overrepresentation of Enterobacteriaceae, including adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC), is a hallmark of the CD microbiome.
- AIEC has been associated with ileal CD since its initial isolation over two decades ago.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on AIEC pathogenesis.
- To discuss advancements in understanding AIEC genetic, metabolic, and virulence factors.
- To propose objective measures for defining AIEC and assessing its pathogenic potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on AIEC isolation and characterization.
- Analysis of research on AIEC virulence determinants and infection biology.
- Synthesis of information to identify potential markers for AIEC pathotype definition.
Main Results:
- AIEC strains have been isolated from both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and non-IBD individuals.
- Despite advancements, a definitive molecular marker for the AIEC pathotype remains elusive.
- Significant progress has been made in understanding the genetic and virulence factors contributing to AIEC pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Defining AIEC and its pathogenic potential requires objective measures beyond current phenotypic characterization.
- Further research into AIEC's genetic and virulence determinants is crucial for understanding its role in CD.
- Objective criteria are needed to accurately identify AIEC and assess its contribution to IBD activity.
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