| First Author | Atarashi K | Year | 2011 |
| Journal | Science | Volume | 331 |
| Issue | 6015 | Pages | 337-41 |
| PubMed ID | 21205640 | Mgi Jnum | J:172265 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:5006671 | Doi | 10.1126/science.1198469 |
| Citation | Atarashi K, et al. (2011) Induction of colonic regulatory T cells by indigenous Clostridium species. Science 331(6015):337-41 |
| abstractText | CD4(+) T regulatory cells (T(regs)), which express the Foxp3 transcription factor, play a critical role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Here, we show that in mice, T(regs) were most abundant in the colonic mucosa. The spore-forming component of indigenous intestinal microbiota, particularly clusters IV and XIVa of the genus Clostridium, promoted T(reg) cell accumulation. Colonization of mice by a defined mix of Clostridium strains provided an environment rich in transforming growth factor-beta and affected Foxp3(+) T(reg) number and function in the colon. Oral inoculation of Clostridium during the early life of conventionally reared mice resulted in resistance to colitis and systemic immunoglobulin E responses in adult mice, suggesting a new therapeutic approach to autoimmunity and allergy. |
