Understanding_the_interactions_between_the_immune_system__the_gut_microbiota_and_parasitic_worms__a_bacterial_community_analysis_in_helminth_infected_mice_-sc-3126
Understanding_the_interactions_between_the_immune_system__the_gut_microbiota_and_parasitic_worms__a_bacterial_community_analysis_in_helminth_infected_mice_
Germ free C57B6 and germ free RAG deficient mice reconstituted with specific pathogens free (SPF) or altered Schaedler flora (ASF) were infected with axenic Heligmosomoides polygyrus. Gut microbiota analysis was achieved through 16S rRNA gene sequencing of samples from caecum or ileum. Sampling points were days 0 (no infection), 8, 14, 25 and 28 post-infection. Also, wild type C57B6 mice harbouring specific pathogen free flora were infected with axenic Heligmosomoides polygyrus and samples from caecum were analysed similarly. Sampling points were days 0 (no infection) and 42 post-infection. These data are part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/
Understanding the interactions between the immune system, the gut microbiota and parasitic worms will be a key step in the quest for treatment of immune disorders. Indeed, the lack of helminth infection is currently seen as a possible cause of immune disorder emergence in developed regions of the world. The importance of the gut microbiota in the development and maintenance of the immune system has been recently highlighted and helminths have been shown to have immuno-modulatory potential as well as living in close association with bacteria. However, the interaction between the worm and the immune system and the role of the microbiota are still poorly understood. Combining analysis at the immune system, the metabolites and the gut microbiota levels in a model of helminth infection will help to define these interactions and possibly identify targets for treatment.