Caspase-8 in endothelial cells maintains gut homeostasis and prevents small bowel inflammation in mice

ABSTRACT: The gut has a specific vascular barrier that controls trafficking of antigens and microbiota into the blood stream. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating the maintenance of this vascular barrier remain elusive. Here, we identified Caspase-8 as a pro-survival factor in mature intestinal endothelial cells that is required to actively maintain vascular homeostasis in the small intestine in an organ-specific manner. In particular we find that deletion of Caspase-8 in endothelial cells results in small intestinal hemorrhages and bowel inflammation, while all other organs remained unaffected. We also show that Caspase-8 seems to be particularly needed in lymphatic endothelial cells to maintain gut homeostasis. Our work demonstrates that endothelial cell dysfunction, leading to the breakdo

SUBMITTER: Dr. Nathalie Tisch 

PROVIDER: S-SCDT-EMM-2021-14121 | biostudies-other |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other