Immunodeficiency Promotes Adaptive Alterations of Host Gut Microbiome: An Observational Metagenomic Study in Mice

Abstract

The crosstalk between the gut microbiota and immune state of the host is an essential focus in academia and clinics. To explore the dynamic role of the microbiota in response to immune deficiency, we comprehensively assessed the microbiome of 90 mouse fecal samples, across three time points including two immunodeficiency models, namely severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice and non-obese diabetic SCID (NOD/SCID) mice, with BALB/cA as a control strain. Metagenomic analysis revealed a decrease in alpha diversity and the existence of a clear structural separation in the microbiota of immunodeficient mice. Although nuances exist between SCID and NOD/SCID mice, an increase in the protective microbiota, in particular Lactobacillus, contributed the most to the discrimination of immunodeficient and control mice. Further data regarding the red blood cell (RBC) concentration and serum IgA level during different stages of development support the concept of the microbiota alleviating the advancement of immune deficiency, which is called microbial compensation. Taken together, these results demonstrate the dynamic impact of immunodeficiency on the gut microbiota and the adaptive alteration of the microbiota that may influence the host state.

Metagenomic analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor and normal mucosa reveals differences in the microbiome of colorectal cancer patients

“…Therefore, it would be reasonable to expect that immunodeficiency, added to LS condition, may have a great negative impact in these patients. Zheng and collaborators 30 studied the effect of immunodeficiency in the gut microbiome in mice models, and found that SCFA-producing and fiber-degrading bacteria were more abundant in immunodeficient mice. This was interpreted as a microbial compensation and alleviating for immune barrier deficiency.…”

Transcriptomics analysis for the identification of potential age-related genes and cells associated with three major urogenital cancers

“…The incidence of multiple cancers is increased in patients with acquired immune deficiency, which also reflects the influence of immune deficiency on the promotion of tumour incidence to some extent 55 . In addition, patients with immunodeficiency are more likely to develop flora disorder and urinary tract infections, which may also increase the incidence of corresponding tumours 56 , 57 . Therefore, the infiltration level of immune cells is related to the tumorigenesis, and modulating the infiltration of these four cells in TME may provide a novel platform to treat cancer.…”

Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions in Inborn Errors of Immunity

“…While the systemic consequences of immune defects in animal models of IEI have been extensively studied [ 59 ], the specific effects in the gut and in particular on the gut microbiota are still ill-defined. A recent study by Zheng et al used SCID mice and NOD/SCID mice (with defects restricted to adaptive immunity, or involving both adaptive and innate immunity, respectively) to investigate the interactions between the host immune system and the gut microbiome [ 60 ]. Their metagenomic analysis revealed a decrease in bacterial diversity in both models, defined by alpha diversity.…”