Gut bacteria from multiple sclerosis patients modulate human T cells and exacerbate symptoms in mouse models

Significance We have experimentally investigated the immunoregulatory effects of human gut microbiota in multiple sclerosis (MS). We have identified specific bacteria that are associated with MS and demonstrated that these bacteria regulate T lymphocyte-mediated adaptive immune responses and contribute to the proinflammatory environment in vitro and in vivo. Thus, our results expand the knowledge of the microbial regulation of immunity and may provide a basis for the development of microbiome-based therapeutics in autoimmune diseases.

• UD
  U.S. Department of Defense

  Award: W81XWH-15-1-0652
• NM
  National Multiple Sclerosis Society

  Award: CA_1072-A-7
• HM
  Heritage Medical Research Institute
• EF
  Emerald Foundation
• MS
  Multiple Sclerosis Society
• NI
  National Institutes of Health