Myeloperoxidase Deficiency Causes Local Inflammation and Dysbiosis in the Murine Gut
Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a peroxidase expressed predominantly in neutrophils, catalyzes production of the oxidant hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Previous studies have shown that the MPO-H2O2-Cl system plays an integral role in host immune defense against invading pathogens, although little is known as to its role in maintaining the integrity and function of the intestinal microbiome in baseline conditions. In the current study, we compared the microbiomes in the intestines of mice with (WT) and without MPO via 16S ribosomal DNAs, and established that MPO in neutrophils contributes to intestinal health in the resting state, and its deficiency leads to intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis.