Lactobacillus reuteri induces gut intraepithelial CD4 + CD8αα + T cells

Tolerogenic T cells need probiotics CD4 + CD8αα + double-positive intraepithelial lymphocytes (DP IELs) are a recently discovered class of intestinal T cells believed to take part in a variety of immune responses, including oral tolerance. These cells are absent in germ-free mice, but the mechanisms driving their development are unclear. Cervantes-Barragan et al. found that a particular species of probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus reuteri , induces DP IELs. This does not occur by stimulating the immune system directly. Instead, L. reuteri generates a specific derivative of dietary tryptophan that promotes differentiation of DP IEL precursors. These findings underscore the delicate interplay between benign…

• W
  Wellcome

  Award: award309610
• KR
  Kenneth Rainin Foundation

  Award: award337073
• SN
  Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung

  Awards: award337079, award337080, PASMP3-145751, PBSKP3-134332
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: award337076, award337071, award337075, RO1 CA176695, award337072, DK103039, award337074, RO1-DK094995, U01 AI095542
• NO
  NIH Office of the Director

  Awards: award337077, 1DP2AI124441