Oleic Acid Promotes Treg Cell Differentiation via Autophagy Induction and Ameliorates DSS-Induced Colitis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
• Oleic acid (OA), abundant in olive oil, has shown anti-inflammatory potential in UC.
• The precise immunomodulatory mechanisms of OA in UC remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of oleic acid (OA) on T regulatory cell (Treg) differentiation.
• To elucidate the role of autophagy in OA-mediated Treg induction.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of OA in a preclinical model of colitis.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies assessing Treg differentiation in response to OA.
• Analysis of mTORC1 and AMPK signaling pathways and their impact on autophagy.
• In vivo experiments using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model in mice.

Main Results:

• OA dose-dependently promoted T regulatory cell (Treg) differentiation.
• OA inhibited mTORC1 signaling and activated AMPK, enhancing autophagy.
• Autophagy blockade abolished OA-induced Treg differentiation.
• OA administration reduced colitis severity, increasing Treg populations in the colon.

Conclusions:

• Oleic acid (OA) promotes Treg differentiation through an autophagy-dependent mechanism.
• OA ameliorates DSS-induced colitis, suggesting its therapeutic potential for UC.
• Dietary intake of OA may serve as a beneficial supplementary therapy for ulcerative colitis.