Immunomodulatory Effects of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 on Allergic Airway Inflammation in a Mouse Model |
| |
Authors: | Wenhui Pang Hefeng Wang Lei Shi Yueqi Sun Xiaoting Wang Mingming Wang Jianfeng Li Haibo Wang Guanggang Shi |
| |
Affiliation: | 1. Institute of Eye and Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China.; 2. Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.; 3. Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The first affiliated hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.; French National Centre for Scientific Research, France, |
| |
Abstract: | BackgroundHygiene hypothesis demonstrates that the lack of microbial exposure would promote the development of allergic airway disease (AAD). Therefore, the gut microbiota, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), would probably offer a potential strategy for AAD.ObjectiveTo investigate whether E. coli infection is able to suppress the induction of AAD and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.MethodsNonpathogenic E. coli ATCC 25922 was infected by gavage before AAD phase in three patterns: 108 or 106 CFU in neonates or 108 CFU in adults. Then mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce allergic inflammation in both the upper and lower airways. Hallmarks of AAD, in terms of eosinophil infiltration and goblet cell metaplasia in subepithelial mucosa, Th2 skewing of the immune response, and levels of T regulate cells (Tregs), were examined by histological analysis, ELISA, and flow cytometry, respectively.ResultsE. coli, especially neonatally infected with an optimal dose, attenuated allergic responses, including a decrease in nasal rubbing and sneezing, a reduction in eosinophil inflammation and goblet cell metaplasia in subepithelial mucosa, decreased serum levels of OVA-specific IgE, and reduced Th2 (IL-4) cytokines. In contrast, this effect came with an increase of Th1 (IFN-r and IL-2) cytokines, and an enhancement of IL-10-secreting Tregs in paratracheal lymph nodes (PTLN).ConclusionE. coli suppresses allergic responses in mice, probably via a shift from Th1 to Th2 and/or induction of Tregs. Moreover, this infection is age- and dose-dependent, which may open up novel possibilities for new therapeutic interventions. |
| |
Keywords: | |
|
|