The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in protecting against enteric infection. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown due to a lack of suitable experimental models. Whilst most gut commensals are anaerobic, intestinal epithelial cells require oxygen for survival. In addition, most intestinal cell lines do not produce mucus which provides a habitat for the microbiota. Here, we have developed a microaerobic, mucus-producing vertical diffusion chamber (VDC) model and determined the influence of Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Ruminococcus gnavus on enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) infection. Optimization of the culture medium enabled bacterial growth in the presence of mucus-producing T84/LS174T cells. While L. reuteri diminished EPEC growth and adhesion to T84/LS174T and mucus-deficient T84 epithelia, R. gnavus only demonstrated a protective effect in the presence of LS174T cells. Reduced EPEC adherence was not associated with altered type III secretion pore formation. In addition, co-culture with L. reuteri and R. gnavus dampened EPEC-induced interleukin-8 secretion. The microaerobic mucin-producing VDC system will facilitate investigations into the mechanisms underpinning colonization resistance and aid the development of microbiota-based anti-infection strategies.
Development of a novel human intestinal model to elucidate the effect of anaerobic commensals on Escherichia coli infection
- Award Group:
- Funder(s): Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
- Award Id(s): BB/M011216/1
- Funder(s):
Currently Viewing Accepted Manuscript - Newer Version Available
Conor J. McGrath, Edgaras Laveckis, Andrew Bell, Emmanuelle Crost, Nathalie Juge, Stephanie Schüller; Development of a novel human intestinal model to elucidate the effect of anaerobic commensals on Escherichia coli infection. Dis Model Mech 2022; dmm.049365. doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/dmm.049365
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