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

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Thomas K. Pedersen
  • Eric M. Brown
  • Damian R. Plichta
  • Johansen, Joachim
  • Shaina W. Twardus
  • Toni M. Delorey
  • Helena Lau
  • Hera Vlamakis
  • James J. Moon
  • Ramnik J. Xavier
  • Daniel B. Graham

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.

Original languageEnglish
JournalImmunity
Volume55
Issue number10
Pages (from-to)1909-1923.e6
ISSN1074-7613
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Elsevier Inc.

    Research areas

  • epitope prediction, immunodominance, inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, metagenomics, MHC class II, microbial antigens, microbiome, mucosal immunology, T cells

ID: 323190917