Enterocloster clostridioformis protects against Salmonella pathogenesis and modulates epithelial and mucosal immune
Benjamin S Beresford-Jones1,2, Satoshi Suyama1,2, Simon Clare1,2,3
1Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK.
Background:
Promoting resistance to enteric pathogen infection is a core function of the gut microbiota; however, many of the specific host-commensal interactions that mediate this protection remain uncharacterised. To address this knowledge gap, we monocolonised germ-free mice with mouse-derived commensal microbes to screen for microbiota-induced resistance to Salmonella Typhimurium infection.
Results:
We identified Enterocloster clostridioformis as a protective species against S. Typhimurium infection. E. clostridioformis selectively upregulates resistin-like molecule β and cell cycle pathway expression at the level of caecal epithelial cells and increases T-regulatory cells in the underlying mucosal immune system, potentially contributing to reduced infection-induced pathology.
Conclusions:
We highlight novel mechanisms of host-microbe interactions that can mediate microbiota-induced resistance to acute salmonellosis. In the backdrop of increasing antibiotic resistance, this study identifies novel potential avenues for further research into protective host responses against enteric infections and could lead to new therapeutic approaches. Video Abstract.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...