Lab Overview
Role of Oral and Intestinal Microbiota in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Principal Investigators: Steven B. Abramson, MD, Dan. R. Littman, MD, PhD
Co-Investigators: Jose U. Scher, MD, Eric Pamer, MD, Michael Dustin, PhD, Walter Bretz, DDS
Gut microbiota have long been thought to contribute to inflammatory diseases, and multiple reports in animal models and humans suggest that antibiotic treatment alters autoimmune disease manifestations. We have recently demonstrated in rodents (Dr. Littman’s lab) that specific microbes induce the differentiation of Th17 cells in the intestinal lamina propria. There is strong genetic and therapy-based evidence that “pro-inflammatory” Th17 and “antiinflammatory” regulatory T cells (Treg) have critical roles in autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and Crohn’s disease. We are now studying the role of gut (intestinal and oral) microbiota (bacterial communities) in RA and other inflammatory arthritides. Our primary hypotheses are that: (1) characterization of Th17-inducing microbes in human intestine will provide insight into disease pathogenesis; and (2) directed manipulation of the gut microbiota will result in alteration of arthritis biofmarkers, including Th17/Treg balance. ... [MORE]