Targeting zonulin and intestinal epithelial barrier function to prevent onset of arthritis

Gut microbial dysbiosis is associated with the development of autoimmune disease, but the mechanisms by which microbial dysbiosis affects the transition from asymptomatic autoimmunity to inflammatory disease are incompletely characterized. Here, we identify intestinal barrier integrity as an important checkpoint in translating autoimmunity to inflammation. Zonulin family peptide (zonulin), a potent regulator for intestinal tight junctions, is highly expressed in autoimmune mice and humans and can be used to predict transition from autoimmunity to inflammatory arthritis. Increased serum zonulin levels are accompanied by a leaky intestinal barrier, dysbiosis and inflammation. Restoration of the intestinal…

• JU
  Johannes und Frieda Marohn-Stiftung
• EC
  European Commission

  Award: CRC1181
• DF
  Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

  Awards: CRC1181, FOR2886, DFG-FOR2886, FOR2886 PANDORA, DFG-FOR2886 PANDORA, DFG-CRC1181-Project-No.B07, DFG-CRC1181
• BF
  Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

  Award: CRC1181
• R
  RIKEN