IL-22-dependent responses and their role during infection.

The mouse pathogen is utilized as a model organism for studying infections caused by the human pathogens enteropathogenic (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) and to elucidate mechanisms of mucosal immunity. In response to infection, innate lymphoid cells and T cells secrete interleukin (IL)-22, a cytokine that promotes mucosal barrier function. IL-22 plays a pivotal role in enabling mice to survive and recover from infection, although the exact mechanisms involved remain incompletely understood.

Siderophore Immunization Restricted Colonization of Adherent-Invasive Escherichia coli and Ameliorated Experimental Colitis.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and profound alterations to the gut microbiome. Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) is a mucosa-associated pathobiont that colonizes the gut of patients with Crohn's disease, a form of IBD. Because AIEC exacerbates gut inflammation, strategies to reduce the AIEC bloom during colitis are highly desirable.