Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
A Co-culture Method to Investigate the Crosstalk Between X-ray Irradiated Caco-2 Cells and PBMC
Published on: January 30, 2018
CD27 on IgD-CD38-B Cells Mediates the Coprococcus-COPD Link
Yaning Gao1, Liang Chen1, Jianhong Zhang1
1Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Department, Beijing Jingmei Group General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Background:
The gut-lung axis, representing the communication between gut microbiota and the lungs, has been hypothesized to influence chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development through modulation of the immune response. However, the causal role of gut microbiota in COPD and the potential mediating role of immune cells remain largely undetermined. This study aimed to uncover the causal relationship between gut microbiota and COPD and explore the potential mediating role of immune cells in this connection.
Methods:
This study employed a two-step Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal effect of gut microbiota on COPD and explore the potential mediating role of immune cells in this relationship. The inverse variance weighted method served as the primary MR analysis method.
Results:
MR analyses revealed statistically significant genetic associations between 28 gut microbiota and COPD. Among these, the genus Coprococcus demonstrated the strongest causal effect on COPD risk, exhibiting a significant positive association (odds ratio (OR) = 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.36, P = 0.03). Additionally, 15 immune cell traits displayed significant associations with Coprococcus. Notably, CD27 expressed on IgD- CD38- B cells emerged as a potential contributor to COPD development (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.07, P = 0.03). We further explored the potential mediating effect of CD27 on IgD- CD38- B cells in the relationship between Coprococcus and COPD.
Conclusion:
Our MR analysis provided evidence for a causal association between gut microbiota and COPD, potentially mediated by immune cells.
Insights
This study reveals a causal link between gut bacteria and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Specific gut microbes, like Coprococcus, and immune cells, such as CD27 on B cells, may influence COPD development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Immunology
- Pulmonary medicine
Background:
- The gut-lung axis describes gut-lung communication, potentially impacting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- The causal role of gut microbiota in COPD and immune cell mediation is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and COPD.
- To explore the mediating role of immune cells in the gut microbiota-COPD connection.
Main Methods:
- A two-step Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed.
- The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was the primary analysis technique.
Main Results:
- Significant genetic associations were found between 28 gut microbes and COPD.
- The gut microbe Coprococcus showed the strongest causal effect on COPD risk (OR=1.18).
- CD27 on IgD- CD38- B cells was identified as a potential mediator (OR=1.04).
Conclusions:
- Mendelian randomization analysis supports a causal association between gut microbiota and COPD.
- Immune cells, particularly CD27 on B cells, may mediate this relationship.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
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...