Psyllium supplemented diet restores the development of small intestinal CD4+ CD8aa+ intraepithelial T cells 3849

Abstract Description Dietary fiber has a role in changing the composition of the gut microbiota, which impacts how the immune system functions. Our lab has previously shown that a low fermentable fiber diet causes impaired development of small intestinal T cell populations such as CD4+ CD8aa+, also called double positive intraepithelial lymphocytes (DP IELs), which have a local regulatory function in the small intestine; and Th17 cells, which help regulate commensal bacteria colonization. This study aims to identify types of fiber that can restore the development of the DP IELs when supplemented in the diet. To do this, we compared the immune cell populations in the intestines of mice fed a standard chow diet and low fiber diet to low fiber diets supplemented with specific fibers, such as b-glucan, pectin, psyllium and inulin. Inulin is known to improve gut health by supporting the colonization of commensal bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. Psyllium can decrease gut inflammation and improve gut health by supporting the colonization of bacteria that produce butyrate. Our analyses show that a diet supplemented with psyllium was able to modify the microbiota and restore the development of DP IELs. In further studies we will identify the bacteria metabolizing psyllium and the mechanism by which it restores the development of DP IELs. This knowledge will allow us to identify fibers that are beneficial for the microbiota and support our immune system. Funding Sources Supported by NIDDK/NIH 1R01 DK129950-01; IMSD; NIGMS/NIH 5T32GM148391-02 Topic Categories Mucosal and Regional Immunology (MUC)