The CD4+ T cell response to a commensal-derived epitope transitions from a tolerant to an inflammatory state in Crohn's disease

TK Pedersen, EM Brown, DR Plichta, J Johansen… - Immunity, 2022 - cell.com
TK Pedersen, EM Brown, DR Plichta, J Johansen, SW Twardus, TM Delorey, H Lau…
Immunity, 2022cell.com
Reciprocal interactions between host T helper cells and gut microbiota enforce local
immunological tolerance and modulate extra-intestinal immunity. However, our
understanding of antigen-specific tolerance to the microbiome is limited. Here, we
developed a systematic approach to predict HLA class-II-specific epitopes using the
humanized bacteria-originated T cell antigen (hBOTA) algorithm. We identified a diverse set
of microbiome epitopes spanning all major taxa that are compatible with presentation by …
Summary
Reciprocal interactions between host T helper cells and gut microbiota enforce local immunological tolerance and modulate extra-intestinal immunity. However, our understanding of antigen-specific tolerance to the microbiome is limited. Here, we developed a systematic approach to predict HLA class-II-specific epitopes using the humanized bacteria-originated T cell antigen (hBOTA) algorithm. We identified a diverse set of microbiome epitopes spanning all major taxa that are compatible with presentation by multiple HLA-II alleles. In particular, we uncovered an immunodominant epitope from the TonB-dependent receptor SusC that was universally recognized and ubiquitous among Bacteroidales. In healthy human subjects, SusC-reactive T cell responses were characterized by IL-10-dominant cytokine profiles, whereas in patients with active Crohn's disease, responses were associated with elevated IL-17A. Our results highlight the potential of targeted antigen discovery within the microbiome to reveal principles of tolerance and functional transitions during inflammation.
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