Live Faecalibacterium prausnitzii induces greater TLR2 and TLR2/6 activation than the dead bacterium in an apical anaerobic co‐culture system |
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Authors: | Eva Maier Rachel C Anderson Eric Altermann Nicole C Roy |
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Institution: | 1. Food Nutrition & Health Team, Food & Bio‐based Products Group, AgResearch Grasslands, Palmerston North, New Zealand;2. Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand;3. Rumen Microbiology Team, Animal Science Group, AgResearch Grasslands, Palmerston North, New Zealand;4. High‐Value Nutrition National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand |
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Abstract: | Inappropriate activation of intestinal innate immune receptors, such as toll‐like receptors (TLRs), by pathogenic bacteria is linked to chronic inflammation. In contrast, a “tonic” level of TLR activation by commensal bacteria is required for intestinal homeostasis. A technical challenge when studying this activation in vitro is the co‐culturing of oxygen‐requiring mammalian cells with obligate anaerobic commensal bacteria. To overcome this, we used a novel apical anaerobic co‐culture system to successfully adapt a TLR activation assay to be conducted in conditions optimised for both cell types. Live Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, an abundant obligate anaerobe of the colonic microbiota, induced higher TLR2 and TLR2/6 activation than the dead bacterium. This enhanced TLR induction by live F. prausnitzii, which until now has not previously been described, may contribute to maintenance of gastrointestinal homeostasis. This highlights the importance of using physiologically relevant co‐culture systems to decipher the mechanisms of action of live obligate anaerobes. |
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Keywords: | Faecalibacterium prausnitzii host– microbe interactions intestinal immune homeostasis intestinal microbiota obligate anaerobic bacteria toll‐like receptors |
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