Gut microbiota-dependent adaptor molecule recruits DNA methyltransferase to the TLR4 gene in colonic epithelial cells to suppress inflammatory reactions.

The intestine is inhabited by a large number of commensal bacteria that are immunologically non-self, potentially causing inflammation. However, in a healthy intestine, inflammation is strictly controlled at low levels to maintain homeostasis. We previously reported that the gut microbiota induce DNA methylation of the gene encoding Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, a pattern recognition receptor that recognizes lipopolysaccharides of gram-negative bacteria, in colonic epithelial cells, suggesting its role in controlling intestinal inflammation.