Maintaining a Healthy Gut: Antiviral Pathway Controls Inflammatory Disease by Balancing Gut Bacteria

What is it about?

The balance between our immune system and the bacteria in our gut is important for keeping us healthy. When we have an infection, our body uses a specific signaling molecule called interferon (IFN) to fight off the infection. However, we don't know much about what low levels of interferon do in the absence of infection. In this study, we found that mice lacking a specific protein called STAT1, which is required for the biological action of IFN, developed an inflammatory disease in their spleen and intestines. We also noticed an imbalance in the bacteria living in their guts. This imbalance led to an increase in certain inflammatory immune cells called TH17 cells and a decrease in an antiinflammatory type of immune cells called Treg cells. Reducing the number of bacteria with antibiotics or blocking the signals of a specific molecule called IL17prevented inflammatory disease in the mutant mice. These results suggest that interferon normally helps regulate the balance of bacteria in our gut, which is important for keeping our immune system working properly and preventing inflammation. Absence of this carefully balanced ecosystem allows development of excessive inflammation, leading to serious disease.

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Why is it important?

Overall, this research contributes to our understanding of the complex interactions between the immune system, gut bacteria, and inflammatory diseases. It opens avenues for further investigations that may ultimately lead to improved strategies for managing and preventing immune-related disorders.

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