Mutual modulation of gut microbiota and the immune system in type 1 diabetes models
Estela Rosell‐Mases, Alba Santiago, Marta Corral-Pujol, Francisca Yáñez, Encarna Varela, Leire Egia‐Mendikute, Berta Arpa, Catalina Cosovanu, Anaïs Panosa, Gerard Serrano-Gómez, Conchi Mora, Joan Verdaguer, Chaysavanh Manichanh
Abstract
Abstract The transgenic 116C-NOD mouse strain exhibits a prevalent Th17 phenotype, and reduced type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared to non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. A cohousing experiment between both models revealed lower T1D incidence in NOD mice cohoused with 116C-NOD, associated with gut microbiota changes, reduced intestinal permeability, shifts in T and B cell subsets, and a transition from Th1 to Th17 responses. Distinct gut bacterial signatures were linked to T1D in each group. Using a RAG-2 −/− genetic background, we found that T cell alterations promoted segmented filamentous bacteria proliferation in young NOD and 116C-NOD, as well as in immunodeficient NOD.RAG-2 −/− and 116C-NOD.RAG-2 −/− mice across all ages. Bifidobacterium colonization depended on lymphocytes and thrived in a non-diabetogenic environment. Additionally, 116C-NOD B cells in 116C-NOD.RAG-2 −/− mice enriched the gut microbiota in Adlercreutzia and reduced intestinal permeability. Collectively, these results indicate reciprocal modulation between gut microbiota and the immune system in rodent T1D models.