TLR9 on PI-IBS
Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that develops after intestinal infection. A follow-up study after a waterborne outbreak of gastroenteritis indicated involvement of specific genetic variants including toll-like receptor (TLR)9, although its pathophysiological role remains unclear. To investigate the role of TLR9 in PI-IBS, Citrobacter rodentium was administered to wild-type (WT), and TLR2, 4, and 9 knockout (KO) mice. Six weeks after infection, visceral sensitivity was evaluated using barostat-based colorectal distention. Additional assessments include histological inflammation, intestinal permeability, gut microbiota, and colonic gene expression.