Gut microbiota-CRAMP axis shapes intestinal barrier function and immune responses in dietary gluten-induced enteropathy

EMBO Mol Med. 2021 Aug 9;13(8):e14059. doi: 10.15252/emmm.202114059. Epub 2021 Jun 14.

Abstract

In the gut, cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) has been largely described for its anti-infective activities. With an increasing recognition of its immune regulatory effects in extra-intestinal diseases, the role of CRAMP in gluten-induced small intestinal enteropathy celiac disease remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the unexplored role of CRAMP in celiac disease. By applying a mouse model of gluten-induced enteropathy (GIE) recapitulating small intestinal enteropathy of celiac disease, we observed defective CRAMP production in duodenal epithelium during GIE. CRAMP-deficient mice were susceptible to the development of GIE. Exogenous CRAMP corrected gliadin-triggered epithelial dysfunction and promoted regulatory immune responses at the intestinal mucosa. Additionally, GIE-associated gut dysbiosis with enriched Pseudomonas aeruginosa and production of the protease LasB contributed to defective intestinal CRAMP production. These results highlight microbiota-CRAMP axis in the modulation of barrier function and immune responses in GIE. Hence, modulating CRAMP may represent a therapeutic strategy for celiac disease.

Keywords: antimicrobial peptides; celiac disease; gluten-induced enteropathy; interleukin-15; microbiota.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • Cathelicidins
  • Celiac Disease*
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Glutens
  • Immunity
  • Intestinal Mucosa
  • Mice

Substances

  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • Glutens
  • Cathelicidins