α-Defensins Promote Bacteroides Colonization on Mucosal Reservoir to Prevent Antibiotic-Induced Dysbiosis.

ABSTRACT: In addition to their established functions in host defense, accumulating evidence has suggested an emerging role for antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) in shaping commensal microbiota. However, the role of α-defensins, the most abundant AMPs of intestine, in regulating microbial ecology remains inconclusive. Here, we report that α-defensins promote commensal Bacteroides colonization by enhancing bacterial adhesion to the mucosal reservoir. Experiments utilizing mice deficient in matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7), the α-defensin-activating enzyme, with rigorous littermate controls showed that α-defensin deficiency did not significantly influence steady-state intestinal microbiota. In contrast, α-defensins are essential for replenishment of commensal Bacteroides from the mucosal res

SUBMITTER: Ou J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7509133 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature