Proteobacteria-specific IgA regulates maturation of the intestinal microbiota

Julie Mirpuri, Megan Raetz, Carolyn R. Sturge, Cara L. Wilhelm, Alicia Benson, Rashmin C. Savani, Lora V. Hooper, Felix Yarovinsky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

195 Scopus citations

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota changes dynamically from birth to adulthood. In this study we identified γ-Proteobacteria as a dominant phylum present in newborn mice that is suppressed in normal adult microbiota. The transition from a neonatal to a mature microbiota was in part regulated by induction of a γ-Proteobacteria-specific IgA response. Neocolonization experiments in germ-free mice further revealed a dominant Proteobacteria-specific IgA response triggered by the immature microbiota. Finally, a role for B cells in the regulation of microbiota maturation was confirmed in IgA-deficient mice. Mice lacking IgA had persistent intestinal colonization with γ-Proteobacteria that resulted in sustained intestinal inflammation and increased susceptibility to neonatal and adult models of intestinal injury. Collectively, these results identify an IgA-dependent mechanism responsible for the maturation of the intestinal microbiota.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)28-39
Number of pages12
JournalGut Microbes
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 25 2013

Keywords

  • Colitis
  • IgA
  • Microbiota
  • Necrotizing enterocolitis
  • Proteobacteria

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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