Microbial-Derived Butyrate Promotes Epithelial Barrier Function through IL-10 Receptor–Dependent Repression of Claudin-2

Commensal interactions between the enteric microbiota and distal intestine play important roles in regulating human health. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, produced through anaerobic microbial metabolism represent a major energy source for the host colonic epithelium and enhance epithelial barrier function through unclear mechanisms. Separate studies revealed that the epithelial anti-inflammatory IL-10 receptor α subunit (IL-10RA) is also important for barrier formation. Based on these findings, we examined if SCFAs promote epithelial barrier through IL-10RA-dependent mechanisms. Using human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), we discovered that SCFAs, particularly butyrate, enhanced IEC…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• UD
  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: TR001082, DK95491, DK103639, DK50189, UL1 TR001082
• NI
  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

  Award: UL1 TR001082
• NC
  National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences

  Awards: TR001082, UL1 TR001082