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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 28-39 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Gut Microbes |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 25 2013 |
Keywords
- Colitis
- IgA
- Microbiota
- Necrotizing enterocolitis
- Proteobacteria
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology (medical)
- Infectious Diseases