Researchers have discovered that a strain of the Bacteroides vulgatus bacteria may have protective effects against celiac disease, according to a recent study published by Tran et al in Pediatric Research. The researchers noted that the loss of protective strains of B vulgatus may lead to gut dysbiosis in patients at risk of developing celiac disease. In the study, investigators identified and sequenced the 20220303-A2 strain of the B vulgatus bacteria found in controls. They then monitored the epithelial phenotype and innate immune cytokines at baseline and after exposure to gliadin or gliadin plus a B vulgatus cell-free supernatant using a human gut organoid system developed from patients prior to the development of celiac disease. Following exposure to gliadin, patients experienced an increased rate of epithelial cell death, epithelial monolayer permeability, and proinflammatory cytokine secretion. However, introduction of the B vulgatus cell-free supernatant alleviated the adverse effects of gliadin through epigenetic reprogramming of the organoids. In a companion press release on the findings from Massachusetts General Hospital, the study authors concluded: “Our data offer possible preliminary evidence that could lead to potential targets to interrupt the progression of celiac disease in [patients] at risk with an unbalanced gut microbiome … [and] also holds promise for other autoimmune conditions.”
Exposure to Strain of B vulgatus May Reduce Burden of Celiac Disease
Conexiant
April 26, 2024