Research study takes deeper look at the role of gut microbes in the immune system
LOS ANGELES (March 24, 2014) - New research suggests that gut microorganisms do not merely influence immune cell function,
but also support the production of immune cells that form the first line of defense against infection. By understanding the mechanisms
responsible for maintaining and replacing immune cells, researchers hope to one day develop targeted therapies to support and boost
immune function in humans.
Study investigators from the Regenerative Medicine Institute at Cedars-Sinai collaborated with the Mount Sinai School
of Medicine and lead institution - the California Institute of Technology.
Previous research studies have evaluated the influence of gut microbes on the function of immune cells, but little had been
known about their influence on the production of immune cells, a process known as hematopoiesis.
In this study, published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe , investigators found that mice lacking gut
microbes were defective in immune cell production. Immune cell populations have to be maintained and replaced to ensure enough
immune cells are available to fight infection. Consequently, the investigators noted that mice lacking gut microbes were
more susceptible to bacterial infections.
"This work provides important clues about the role of gut microbes in supporting a healthy immune system that is capable
of providing efficient protection from infection," said Helen Goodridge, PhD, collaborating author, assistant professor in the
Department of Biomedical Sciences and a research scientist in the Regenerative Medicine Institute. "We now have a clearer
understanding of how gut microbes influence immune cell production, which has implications for immune defense against infection."
Findings also suggest that antibiotics may have unwanted effects on the immune system by depleting gut microbes and thereby
compromising immune cell production, which could make a patient more susceptible to subsequent infections. However, the data also indicate
that it might be possible to prevent this effect, at least partially, by delivering microbial components along with the antibiotics
to stimulate immune cell production.
"As we found true in mouse models, we also believe that depletion of gut microorganisms in humans could lead to a
suppressed immune system and a higher risk of acquiring a broad range of infections and diseases," said Alberto
Yáñez, PhD, collaborating author on the study and a postdoctoral scientist in the Goodridge
Laboratory. "Gut microbes play very important roles in maintaining human health and this study further
highlights the risks associated with the overuse of antibiotics that indiscriminately target helpful, as well as harmful, bacteria."
The rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, paired with a dwindling supply of effective antimicrobial drugs, has increased the threat
of infectious disease and created a healthcare crisis. If these findings are validated in humans, researchers may herald future medical
approaches to address the re-emerging crisis of infectious diseases.
###
Sarkis K. Mazmanian, PhD, professor of Biology and Biological Engineering, and Arya Khosravi, MD, PhD, candidate at the
California Institute of Technology, led this multicenter study. Additional authors include Miriam Merad, MD, PhD, professor of
oncological sciences and medicine, and Jeremy Price and Andrew Chow, candidates in the MD/PhD program at The Tisch Cancer
Institute and Immunology Institute at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
The research was supported by a pre-doctoral training grant from the National Institute of Health (GM007616), a Burroughs
Wellcome Fund in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease award to Sarkis K. Mazmanian, PhD, as well as the Cedars-Sinai Regenerative
Medicine Institute.
Citation: Cell Host & Microbe . 2014 March: "Gut Microbiota Promotes Hematopoiesis to
Control Bacterial Infection."
Contact: Cara Martinez
cara.martinez@cshs.org
310-423-7798
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/cmc-rst032414.php
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