Entamoeba muris provides a mouse model for amoebic colitis pathology characterized by T cell associated colonization

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebic colitis, but research is limited by a lack of ideal animal models.
• Entamoeba muris was previously considered non-pathogenic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Entamoeba muris as a potential animal model for studying Entamoeba histolytica infection.
• To characterize the host immune response and gut microbiota alterations during E. muris infection.

Main Methods:

• BALB/c mice were infected with E. muris via a fecal-oral route.
• Immune cell infiltration (CD4+ T-cells, FOXP3+ Tregs) and epithelial changes were analyzed.
• Gut microbiota composition was assessed using sequencing techniques.
• T-cell-deficient mice were used to assess the role of T-cell immunity.

Main Results:

• E. muris infection induced colitis-like pathology in BALB/c mice, with CD4+ T-cell and regulatory T-cell infiltration.
• T-cell immunity was essential for persistent E. muris colonization.
• Infection impaired goblet cell homeostasis and significantly altered gut microbiota, reducing Firmicutes.

Conclusions:

• Entamoeba muris infection in mice recapitulates key features of amoebic colitis, including inflammation and microbiota dysbiosis.
• E. muris serves as a valuable and promising model for investigating Entamoeba histolytica pathogenesis and host-parasite interactions.