Le microbiote intestinal joue un rôle primordial dans l’homéostasie du tractus gastro-intestinal, et plus généralement dans celle de son hôte. A ce titre, de nombreuses pathologies humaines sont associées à une dysbiose de ce microbiote intestinal, tels que les cancers colorectaux, les maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l’intestin (MICI), les troubles du métabolisme ou encore les maladies auto-immunes. Ces pathologies ont une étiologie mal connue et multifactorielle dans laquelle l’environnement semble jouer un rôle clé. Des études récentes ont ainsi mis en évidence un lien entre la pollution atmosphérique et des pathologies humaines telles que les MICI. Parmi les différentes substances polluantes répertoriées, le benzo[a]pyrène (BaP), qui fait partie de la famille des hydrocarbures aromatiques polycycliques, est soumis à une surveillance accrue en raison de ses effets toxiques sur la santé humaine. De par ses propriétés pro-inflammatoires et mutagènes, le BaP pourrait modifier la composition du microbiote intestinal, induisant alors à une réponse inflammatoire et à une altération des fonctions intestinales. Dans le cadre de ce travail de thèse, une surexposition orale et chronique au BaP en modèle murin a conduit à une inflammation modérée principalement au niveau de la muqueuse iléale. L’analyse des amplicons du gène codant l’ARNr 16S a mis en évidence des modifications de la composition et de l’abondance relative des communautés bactériennes fécales et associées à la muqueuse intestinale avec notamment une augmentation et une diminution des taxa pro et anti-inflammatoires respectivement. Ainsi, dans des conditions de susceptibilité génétique et/ou en association avec d’autres facteurs environnementaux, l’exposition à ce polluant pourrait déclencher et/ou accélérer le développement de pathologies inflammatoires. L’identification des potentialités métaboliques des différentes populations bactériennes caractérisées précédemment et impactées par le polluant revêt donc un caractère primordial. La reconstruction de génomes directement à partir de l’écosystème microbien peut permettre d’établir ce lien entre structure et fonction. C’est également dans ce contexte, qu’une approche innovante de capture de gènes en solution a été développée. En effet, cette technique d’enrichissement permet de reconstruire de larges portions génomiques pouvant relier un biomarqueur phylogénétique à des gènes fonctionnels, y compris pour des populations bactériennes présentes en très faible abondance dans l’écosystème. / Gut microbiota plays a primordial role in gastro-intestinal tract and host homeostasis. Numerous pathologies are associated with a gut microbiota dysbioses, such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), metabolism disorders or autoimmune diseases. The physiopathology of these diseases has multifactorial aetiology in which environmental factors seem to play a crucial role. Recent evidences have highlighted a link between air pollution and human diseases such as IBD. Among the different pollutant listed, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), which belong to the family of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, is subject to an increase surveillance due to its toxic effects on human health. By its pro-inflammatory and mutagenic proprieties, BaP could lead to modifications of gut microbiota composition, then inducing an inflammatory response and an alteration of intestinal functions. As part of this thesis, BaP subchronic oral exposure in murine model has led to a moderate inflammation mostly in ileal mucosa. The analysis of ARNr 16S amplicons has highlighted composition and abundance alterations of faecal and mucosa-associated microbiota, especially with increase and decrease of pro and anti- inflammatory taxa respectively. Thus, under conditions of genetic susceptibility and/or in association with other environmental factors, exposure to this pollutant could trigger and/or accelerate the development of inflammatory pathologies. Metabolic potential identification of different bacterial populations previously characterized and affected by the pollutant appears therefore primordial. Genome reconstruction directly from microbial ecosystem could allow to establish this link between structure and function. Also in this context, an innovative approach of gene capture in solution was developed. Indeed, this enrichment technique allows to reconstruct large genomic portions that could link phylogenetic biomarker and functional genes, including for bacterial populations present at very low abundance in the ecosystem.

Le microbiote digestif humain joue un rôle essentiel et bénéfique pour son hôte mais il est également impliqué dans un nombre croissant de pathologies. Les connaissances sur la composition de cet écosystème ont récemment été révolutionnées grâce à l’utilisation de techniques moléculaires. Cependant, ces techniques comportent des limites importantes. C’est ainsi que le concept de « culturomique » a été introduit ; il consiste en la multiplication de milieux et conditions de culture et l’identification rapide de colonies bactériennes par spectrométrie de masse (MALDITOF) ou par amplification et séquençage du gène de l’ARN ribosomal 16S. Dans la première partie de ce travail, nous avons mis en évidence une association entre la présence de Clostridium butyricum dans les selles et la survenue d’entérocolite ulcéro-nécrosante que ce soit par méthodes de pyroséquençage et culture ou par PCR quantitative en temps réel spécifique de C. butyricum; identifié après séquençage du génome complet de toutes nos souches de C. butyricum, la présence du gène de la β-hémolysine (toxine). Dans la deuxième partie de ce travail, nous avons montré par cuturomique que les bactéries à Gram-négatif (BGN) étaient fréquemment disséminées au sein du microbiote cutané transitoire des patients hospitalisés en réanimation ; le réservoir serait essentiellement digestif. En conclusion, le microbiote digestif constitue un réservoir sousestimé de bactéries pathogènes. La microbiologie moderne incluant les nouvelles méthodes de culture permet d’étendre de manière considérable les connaissances sur la composition de cet écosystème et son implication en pathologie humaine. / He human gut microbiota plays an important and beneficial role in its host but it is also involved in a growing number of diseases. Knowledge of the composition of this ecosystem have recently been revolutionized by the use of molecular techniques. However, these techniques have significant limitations. Thus, the concept of "culturomics" has been introduced; it consists of the multiplication of culture conditions and the rapid identification of bacterial colonies by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) or by PCR 16S RNA gene sequencing. In the first part of this work, we have demonstrated an association between the presence of Clostridium butyricum in the stool and the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis whether by pyrosequencing methods and Culture or by quantitative PCR specific real time C. butyricum; identified after sequencing the complete genome of all our strains of C. butyricum, the presence of the gene of β-hemolysin (toxin). In the second part of this work, we showed by cuturomics that Gram-negative bacteria (BGN) were frequently spread out over the transitional skin microbiota of patients hospitalized in intensive care; the reservoir would essentially digestive. In conclusion, the gut microbiota is an underestimated reservoir of pathogenic bacteria. Modern microbiology including new culture-based methods is currently extending exponentially our knowledge on gut microbiota giving rise to new insights into the pathogenesis or the transmission of infectious diseases.

Diabetes tipo 1 (DM1) e uma doenca autoimune que se inicia devido a defeitos na tolerancia imunologica a auto-antigenos, resultando na destruicao autoimune das celulas pancreaticas em individuos geneticamente suscetiveis. Os receptores NOD-like (NLRs) sao receptores intracelulares responsaveis pelo reconhecimento de padroes moleculares associados a patogenos (PAMPs) e padroes moleculares associados ao dano (DAMPs). Estudos recentes tem demonstrado que os receptores NOD1 e NOD2 desempenham um importante papel na ativacao da imunidade inata contra patogenos e na regulacao da imunidade adaptativa, uma vez que sua ativacao leva a producao de citocinas relacionadas a diferenciacao de linfocitos T auxiliares produtores de IL-17 (Th17). Porem, a importancia desses receptores no DM1 ainda e incerto. Nesse sentido, investigamos o papel dos receptores NOD1 e NOD2 na patogenese do DM1, com enfoque na diferenciacao de linfocitos Treg/Th17/Th1 e na plasticidade desses subtipos celulares. Nossos resultados mostram que camundongos deficientes de NOD2, mas nao NOD1 ou RIP2, sao resistentes ao DM1, como comprovado por menor incidencia, hiperglicemia, diminuicao do infiltrado inflamatorio e normalizacao dos niveis de insulina quando comparado aos controles. Foi observado tambem que animais NOD2-/- tiveram uma reducao da populacao de linfocitos Th17, Tc17, Th1 e T citotoxicos nos linfonodos pancreaticos, o que correlaciona com a inibicao da producao de IL-23p19 e IFN- no pancreas. Em paralelo, foi evidenciado o aumento do numero de celulas T reguladoras, macrofagos do perfil M2 nos linfonodos pancreaticos e elevada producao de IL-10 no pancreas de animais NOD2-/-. Alem disso, foi observado que animais NOD2-/- apresentaram uma menor populacao de linfocitos T duplo-positivos (Foxp3+RORt+ e IL-17+IFN+). Posteriormente, foi detectado menor producao de IL- 1, IL-6, IL-23p19 e IL-12p40 por celulas dendriticas de animais deficientes de NOD2. De forma interessante, foi observada a translocacao de bacterias para os linfonodos pancreaticos de animais diabeticos. Adicionalmente, animais tratados com antibioticos tornaram-se resistentes ao DM1, o que nos fornece indicios da contribuicao da microbiota intestinal na inducao da doenca. Por fim, comprovamos alta expressao genica de NOD2 nos linfonodos pancreaticos e no pancreas na fase inicial (pre-diabetica) em outro modelo de DM1, utilizando camundongos NOD (nonobese diabetic mice). Portanto, nossos dados indicam que a ativacao do receptor NOD2 por componentes bacterianos da microbiota intestinal induz a producao de citocinas pro-inflamatorias com subsequente diferenciacao/conversao de linfocitos do perfil Th17/Th1 e progressao do DM1. Dessa forma, estes dados apontam o bloqueio do receptor NOD2 como uma potencial terapia imunomoduladora para o DM1 em humanos. / Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that precipitates due to defects in the self tolerance to auto- antigens, resulting in the autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic cells in genetically susceptible individuals. NOD-like (NLRs) receptors are intracellular receptors responsible for the recognition of pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Recent studies have shown a role of NOD1 and NOD2 receptors in the innate immune response against pathogens and in the adaptive immune response, since its activation leads to the generation of cytokines related to the differentiation of IL-17-producing T helper cells (Th17). However, the role of these receptors in T1D remains elusive. Therefore, we investigated the role of NOD1 and NOD2 receptors in the pathogenesis of T1D, focusing on the differentiation of Treg/Th1/Th17 lymphocytes and in the plasticity of these subtypes. Our data demonstrate that NOD2-/- mice, but not NOD1-/- or RIP2-/-, are resistant to T1D, as shown by the lower incidence, hyperglycemia, less insulitis and normal insulin production when compared to wild type mice. It was also observed that NOD2-/- mice have a reduction in the Th17, Tc17, Th1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte population within the pancreatic lymph nodes (PLNs), which correlates with the inhibition of IL-23p19 and IFN production in the pancreas. In parallel, there was an increase in Treg cells, M2 macrophages in the PLNs and IL-10 production in the pancreatic tissue of NOD2-/- mice. Also, NOD2-/- mice presented a downregulation of Foxp3+RORt+ and IL-17+IFN+ double-positive T cells. Later, it was shown that IL-1, IL-6, IL-23p19 and IL-12p40 production was downregulated in mice deficient to the NOD2 receptor. Interestingly, we observed a bacterial translocation to the pancreatic lymph nodes in diabetic mice, what could be triggering NOD2 activation, thus contributing to T1D development. As expected, mice pre-treated with antibiotics failed to become diabetic, suggesting a possible role of the gut microbiota in the development of the disease. Lastly, we observed a higher relative expression of NOD2 in the PLNs and pancreas of pre-diabetic mice, using another mouse model of the disease, the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse. Collectively, our data suggest that components from the gut microbiota are capable of translocating to the PLNs, thus triggering the activation of NOD2, which in turn induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines related to the differentiation of Th1/Th17 cells, thus contributing to T1D development in a mouse model of the disease. Therefore, the blockade of NOD2 appears as an interesting therapeutical target in the treatment of type 1 diabetes in humans.

Tarmfloran spelar en viktig roll för människorshälsa genom att bl.a. reglera värdens immunitet, producera näringsämnen och stärkatarmbarriären. Dysbios i tarmfloran har associerats med flera sjukdomar,inklusive diabetes typ 2. Metformin är förstahandsvalet av läkemedel mot diabetestyp 2 och har en pleotropisk effekt. Det finns stöd för att tarmarna är ettbetydande målorgan för metformin, dels för att intravenös administrering av metforminger sämre effekt än oral. Syftet med denna litteraturstudie var därför attundersöka om metformin har effekter på tarmflorans sammansättning hos människormed diabetes typ 2. Resultatet är baserat på fem olika studier hämtade frånPubmed. Alla studierna ger stöd åt att metformin förändrar tarmfloranssammansättning och indikerar även att tarmfloran är involverad i metforminsbehandlingseffekter och biverkningar. Hur omfattande förändringarna var ochvilka taxa som påverkades varierade, troligen p.g.a. olika studiedesigner. Resultatentyder på att metformin ökar den relativa förekomsten av Escherichia, Akkermansiamuciniphila och SCFA-producerande taxa, inklusive Blautia. Indikationer fanns också på att metformin minskar den relativaförekomsten av Intestinibacter.Slutsatsen är att metformin förändrar tarmflorans sammansättning, men att flerstudier krävs för att bekräfta både de taxonomiska och funktionella förändringarna.Det finns också ett behov av mer kunskap om hur resultat påverkas avsekvenserings- och statistikmetoder för att lättare kunna göra jämförelser mellan studier. / The gut microbiota has important impact on hosthealth by regulating host immunity, providing nutrients and strengthening ofthe gut integrity. A gut microbiota dysbiosis has been associated with severaldiseases, including type 2 diabetes. Metformin is the drug of first choiceagainst type 2 diabetes and has pleiotrophic effects. It has been suggestedthat the intestines is a important target of metformin because intravenousadministration exerts smaller therapeutic effects than oral. The aim of thislitterature study was to investigate if metformin alters the gut microbiotacomposition in humans. The result is based on five studies collected from Pubmed.All studies support that metformin treatment is associated with an altered gutmicrobiota and may be involved in terapeutic and side effects of metformin. Theamplitude of the metformin-induced alterations and affected taxa differed amongthe studies, probably due to large differences in study designs. Main findingssuggest that metformin increase the relative abundance of Escherichia, Akkermansiamuciniphila and SCFA-producing taxa as Blautia.Metformin also might decrease the relative abundance of Intestinibacter. In conclusion, metformin alters the gutmicrobiota, but more studies are needed to determine the taxonomic andfunctional alterations during metformin treatment. There is also a need of moreknowledge of how results are affected by sequencing and statistical methods.

Atopic allergy is the most common chronic disease among children in the developed world. This high prevalence could be associated with low microbial exposure. The early gut microbiota appears to be important for immune maturation. Immunomodulatory components in human milk might differ between mothers and could therefore explain the contradictory results seen regarding breastfeeding and allergy development. The aim of this thesis was to investigate whether early colonization with certain gut microbiota species influences childhood immune responses and allergy development up to age five. Also, as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) might stimulate the growth of certain gut microbiota species, the consumption of neutral colostrum HMOs was investigated for their role in allergy development up to 18 months. The concentrations of neutral colostrum HMOs varied considerably between women; however this variation could not be explained by their allergic status. Neither was the consumption of neutral colostrum HMOs related to allergy development in their children up to 18 months. Infants who harboured lactobacilli group I and Bifidobacterium adolescentis one week after birth developed allergic disease less frequently during their first five years than infants who did not harbour these bacteria at the same time. Also, colonization with several Bifidobacterium species was associated with higher levels of house dust endotoxin and larger family size. The early Bifidobacterium flora influenced levels of salivary secretory IgA at six and 12 months but not during later childhood. Moreover, the intensity of early Bacteroides fragilis colonization was inversely associated with spontaneous Toll-like receptor 4 mRNA expression in peripheral blood cells collected 12 months after birth. In conclusion, these results indicate that the early infant gut microbiota influences systemic and mucosal immune maturation during infancy, and that it might be altered in infants developing allergic disease.

Introduction: Gut microbial composition has been associated with immune-mediated diseases. Breastfeeding yields a microbiota rich in bifidobacteria and promotes colonization by lactobacilli. Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are considered health-promoting and are used as probiotics, i.e. live microbial food supplements which when ingested in adequate amounts confer a beneficial effect on the host. During weaning the developing gut immune system is exposed to an increasing variety of antigens from both foods and gut microbiota. Aims: We aimed to determine if daily feeding of 1x108 colony-forming units (CFU) of the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei strain F19 (LF19) to healthy term infants from 4 to 13 months of age could maintain some of the beneficial effects conferred by breastfeeding on gut microbial composition, with possible effects on gut microbial function, T cell function, Th1/Th2 immune balance and eczema incidence. Study design: Infants were randomized to daily intake of cereals with (n=89) or without LF19 (n=90) from 4-13 months of age. Clinical outcome measures were monitored by diaries and a questionnaire. Stool and blood samples were obtained at 4, 6½, 9, 13 and 5½, 6½, 12 and 13 months of age, respectively. Stool samples were analyzed for lactobacilli counts by conventional culture methods and the presence of LF19 was verified by randomly amplified polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR). Fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) pattern, a proxy for gut microbial function, was determined by gas-liquid chromatography. After polyclonal or specific activation of T cells, the cytokine mRNA expression levels [interleukin 2 (IL2), IFN-, IL4 and IL10] were determined on isolated mRNA by quantitative real time reverse transcriptase-PCR. Serum concentrations of total and specific IgE antibodies, Haemophilus influenzae type b, diphtheria and tetanus toxoid specific IgG antibodies were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay. Results: Feeding LF19 maintained high fecal lactobacilli counts during weaning. Persistent colonization with LF19 induced differences in the fecal SCFA pattern. The cumulative incidence of eczema was lower in the probiotic group, in conjunction with a higher IFN-γ/IL4 mRNA ratio in polyclonally activated T cells. Even though there was an effect by LF19 on Th1/Th2 immune balance, there was no effect on IgE sensitization. Infants in both groups increased their capacity to express both Th1 and Th2 cytokines during the second half of infancy but the expression was still lower than that of adults. Infants in the probiotic group had lower IL2 levels after polyclonal T cell activation at 13 months of age compared with infants in the placebo group. Infants fed LF19 did not have fewer infections, but had fewer days with antibiotic prescription compared with infants fed placebo. In addition, compared to placebo, persistent colonization by LF19 enhanced specific vaccine responses to protein antigens during the course of vaccination. Conclusions: We conclude that feeding LF19 was safe, based on no observed adverse effects in our study. Infants in both groups demonstrated maturation of adaptive immune responses during weaning. Adding probiotics in complementary foods during weaning reduced the risk of eczema by 50%, with a concomitant shift towards an enhanced Th1/Th2 ratio. The reduction of eczema might be explained by probiotic effects on both T cell-mediated immune responses and reinforced gut microbial function.

Introduction: Intestinal bacteria influence gut morphology by affecting epithelial cell proliferation, development of the lamina propria, villus length and crypt depth [1]. Gut microbiota-derived factors have been proposed to also play a role in the development of a 30 % longer intestine, that is characteristic of PRM/Alf mice compared to other mouse strains [2, 3]. Polyamines and SCFAs produced by gut bacteria are important growth factors, which possibly influence mucosal morphology, in particular villus length and crypt depth and play a role in gut lengthening in the PRM/Alf mouse. However, experimental evidence is lacking. Aim: The objective of this work was to clarify the role of bacterially-produced polyamines on crypt depth, mucosa thickness and epithelial cell proliferation. For this purpose, C3H mice associated with a simplified human microbiota (SIHUMI) were compared with mice colonized with SIHUMI complemented by the polyamine-producing Fusobacterium varium (SIHUMI + Fv). In addition, the microbial impact on gut lengthening in PRM/Alf mice was characterized and the contribution of SCFAs and polyamines to this phenotype was examined. Results: SIHUMI + Fv mice exhibited an up to 1.7 fold higher intestinal polyamine concentration compared to SIHUMI mice, which was mainly due to increased putrescine concentrations. However, no differences were observed in crypt depth, mucosa thickness and epithelial proliferation. In PRM/Alf mice, the intestine of conventional mice was 8.5 % longer compared to germfree mice. In contrast, intestinal lengths of C3H mice were similar, independent of the colonization status. The comparison of PRM/Alf and C3H mice, both associated with SIHUMI + Fv, demonstrated that PRM/Alf mice had a 35.9 % longer intestine than C3H mice. However, intestinal SCFA and polyamine concentrations of PRM/Alf mice were similar or even lower, except N acetylcadaverine, which was 3.1-fold higher in PRM/Alf mice. When germfree PRM/Alf mice were associated with a complex PRM/Alf microbiota, the intestine was one quarter longer compared to PRM/Alf mice colonized with a C3H microbiota. This gut elongation correlated with levels of the polyamine N acetylspermine. Conclusion: The intestinal microbiota is able to influence intestinal length dependent on microbial composition and on the mouse genotype. Although SCFAs do not contribute to gut elongation, an influence of the polyamines N acetylcadaverine and N acetylspermine is conceivable. In addition, the study clearly demonstrated that bacterial putrescine does not influence gut morphology in C3H mice. / Einleitung: Die intestinale Mikrobiota beeinflusst die Morphologie des Darmes durch Beeinflussung der Epithelzellproliferation, Entwicklung der Lamina Propria, Zottenlänge und Kryptentiefe [1]. Zudem stehen bakterielle Faktoren im Verdacht, die Entwicklung eines 30 % längeren Darmes in der PRM/Alf Maus gegenüber anderen Mausstämmen zu begünstigen [2, 3]. Die von der intestinalen Mikrobiota produzierten Polyamine und kurzkettigen Fettsäuren (SCFA) stellen wichtige Wachstumsfaktoren dar, die bei der Ausbildung des Darmes sowie an der Darmverlängerung in der PRM/Alf Maus beteiligt sein könnten. Zielstellung: Ziel dieser Arbeit war, den Einfluss von bakteriell-produzierten Polyaminen auf die Kryptentiefe, Schleimhautdicke und Epithelzellproliferation zu untersuchen. Zu diesem Zweck wurden keimfreie C3H Mäuse mit einer vereinfachten menschlichen Mikrobiota (SIHUMI) assoziiert und mit C3H Mäusen, die mit einer SIHUMI plus dem polyaminproduzierendem Fusobacterium varium (SIHUMI + Fv) besiedelt worden waren, verglichen. Weiterhin sollte der mikrobielle Einfluss sowie die Rolle von SCFAs und Polyaminen bei der Ausbildung eines verlängerten Darms in der PRM/Alf Maus untersucht werden. Ergebnisse: Die SIHUMI + Fv Mäuse zeigten eine bis zu 1,7 fach höhere intestinale Polyaminkonzentration im Vergleich zu SIHUMI-Mäusen, welche vor allem auf eine Erhöhung von Putrescin zurückzuführen war. Trotz der höheren Polyaminkonzentrationen wurden keine Unterschiede in der Kryptentiefe, Schleimhautdicke und Epithelzellproliferation beobachtet. Die Untersuchung der Darmlänge in PRM/Alf Mäusen in Abhängigkeit vom Besiedlungsstatus ergab einen 8,5 % längeren Darm in konventionell besiedelten PRM/Alf Mäusen im Vergleich zu keimfreien PRM/Alf Mäusen. Im Gegensatz dazu wurden in C3H-Mäusen keine Unterschiede in der Darmlänge in Abhängigkeit von der Besiedlung beobachtet. Der Vergleich zwischen PRM/Alf und C3H Mäusen, die beide mit der SIHUMI + Fv Mikrobiota assoziiert wurden, zeigte einen 35,9 % längeren Darm in PRM/Alf Mäusen. Trotz des längeren Darmes waren die intestinalen SCFA- und Polyaminkonzentrationen vergleichbar bzw. geringer als in C3H Mäusen, mit einer Ausnahme: Die Konzentration von N Acetylcadaverin war in PRM/Alf Mäusen 3,1-fach erhöht. Wurden keimfreie PRM/Alf Mäuse mit einer komplexen PRM/Alf Mikrobiota assoziiert, so war ihr Darm ein Viertel länger als bei PRM/Alf Mäusen, die mit einer C3H Mikrobiota besiedelt wurden. Dieser längere Darm korrelierte mit der N Acetylsperminkonzentration. Schlussfolgerung: Die intestinale Mikrobiota ist in der Lage, die Darmlänge abhängig von der mikrobiellen Zusammensetzung und von dem Genotyp des Wirtes zu beeinflussen. Obwohl SCFAs die Darmlänge nicht beeinflussten, ist eine Beteiligung der Polyamine N Acetylcadaverin und N Acetylspermin denkbar. Darüber hinaus zeigte die Studie, dass Putrescin die Anatomie des Darmes in C3H Mäusen nicht beeinflusst.

Les N-acyl homosérine lactones sont des molécules du quorum sensing impliquées dans la communication interbactérienne mais elles sont également capables d'intéragir avec les cellules eucaryotes. Rechercher ces molécules dans le contexte des maladies inflammatoires chroniques intestinlaes (MICI) et plus particulièrement dans le cadre de l'étude des conséquences de la dysbiose sur les voies de l'inflammation intestinale est séduisant. En utilisant la spectrométrie de mase, nous avons mis en évidence pour la première fois des AHLs dans l'écosystème intestinal humain, et plus particulièrement une nouvelle AHL, 3-oxo-C12 :2, qui est prédominante. Cette AHL est corrélée à la normobiose, est perdue au cours des MICI et exerce un effet protecteur sur les cellules épithéliales intestinales. En effet, la 3-oxo-C12 :2 exerce un effet anti-inflammatoire in vitro sur les cellules Caco-2 sans augmenter la perméabilité paracellulaire. De plus, les premiers résultats in vivo montrent que la 3-oxo-C12 est également capable d'influencer la composition du microbiote intestinal des souris. Ces résultats ouvrent de nombreuses perspectives notamment dans la recherche de traitements écologiques au cours des MICI. / Quorum sensing molecules N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) involved in bacterial communication network are also able to interact with eukaryotic cells. Searching for these molecules in the context of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and more precisely when studying consequences of dysbiosis on gut inflammation pathways is appealing. Using mass spectrometry, we identified for the first time AHLs in human intestinal ecosystem, and among them a new AHL, 3-oxo-C12:2 which is prominent. This AHL correlates with normobiosis, is lost IBD and exerts protective effect on gut epithelial cells. In fact, 3-oxo-C12:2 exerts anti-inflammatory effect in vitro on Caco-2 cells without increased paracellular permeability. Furthermore, first results from in vivo experiments show that 3-oxo-C12:2 is also able to influence mice gut microbiota composition. These results open multiple perspectives especially on new ecological treatments in IBD.

Notre équipe a précédemment rapporté que l'utilisation d'un traitement d'induction lympho-déplétant [les globulines anti-lymphocytaires polyclonales (GALP)], peut entrainer une lymphopénie T CD4 persistante chez certains transplantés rénaux. Celle-ci est associée à certaines anomalies biologiques telles que la présence d'un syndrome inflammatoire chronique. Ce travail de thèse s'intéresse aux facteurs impliqués dans l'induction de ces anomalies puisqu'elles sont associées à une augmentation de l'incidence d'infections, de maladies cardiovasculaires et de décès, habituellement retrouvés chez les personnes âgées. Nous avons montré que les GALP entrainent une diminution de la fonction thymique et une expansion de lymphocytes T à un stade avancé de différenciation pouvant traduire une immunosénescence prématurée. Par ailleurs, une rupture de la barrière intestinale semble favoriser la translocation bactérienne digestive et l'activation d'une inflammation chronique observée en transplantation, via les lipopolysaccharides libérés dans la circulation périphérique. La composition du rnicrobiote intestinal pourrait jouer un rôle dans l'initiation, le maintien et la sévérité de l'inflammation. Nous avons observé des modifications du microbiote après transplantation et après l' antibioprophylaxie utilisée en transplantation. Les mécanismes à l'origine de toutes ces observations restent à élucider mais ce travail permet d'améliorer la compréhension des facteurs impliqués dans le développement de l'immunosénescence et de l'inflammation chronique en transplantation rénale, ouvrant potentiellement la voie à d'intéressantes perspectives thérapeutiques. / We bave previously described that polyclonal anti-lymphocytic globulins (GALP) may contribute to prolonged CD4 T­cell lymphopenia in some renal transplant recipients, associated with some biological abnormalities, such as a chronic inflammatory syndrome. Our work focuses on the factors involved in the induction of tbese abnormalities and susceptible to increase the incidence of infections, cardiovascular diseases and deatb, comparable to the incidence observed in the elderly. We showed that GALP are implicated in the decrease in thymie output and the expansion ofT cells at an advanced stage of differentiation. Both are hallmarks of premature immune senescence. Moreover, the dysfunction of the gut epithelial barrier is responsible for gut bacterial translocation (GBT) and the activation of chronic inflammation observed in chronic kidney disease as well as in renal transplant recipients. The composition of the intestinal microbiota may play a role in the initiation, maintenance and severity of GBT and systernic inflammation. We reported the existence of a dysbiosis a.fier transplantation. The mechanisms involved remain to be elucidated, yet, this work contributes to the understanding of the potential factors involved. in the progression of immune senescence and the persistence of chronic inflammation after kidney transplantation paving the way to new fields of therapeutic research in transplantation

Diabetes tipo 1 (DM1) e uma doenca autoimune que se inicia devido a defeitos na tolerancia imunologica a auto-antigenos, resultando na destruicao autoimune das celulas pancreaticas em individuos geneticamente suscetiveis. Os receptores NOD-like (NLRs) sao receptores intracelulares responsaveis pelo reconhecimento de padroes moleculares associados a patogenos (PAMPs) e padroes moleculares associados ao dano (DAMPs). Estudos recentes tem demonstrado que os receptores NOD1 e NOD2 desempenham um importante papel na ativacao da imunidade inata contra patogenos e na regulacao da imunidade adaptativa, uma vez que sua ativacao leva a producao de citocinas relacionadas a diferenciacao de linfocitos T auxiliares produtores de IL-17 (Th17). Porem, a importancia desses receptores no DM1 ainda e incerto. Nesse sentido, investigamos o papel dos receptores NOD1 e NOD2 na patogenese do DM1, com enfoque na diferenciacao de linfocitos Treg/Th17/Th1 e na plasticidade desses subtipos celulares. Nossos resultados mostram que camundongos deficientes de NOD2, mas nao NOD1 ou RIP2, sao resistentes ao DM1, como comprovado por menor incidencia, hiperglicemia, diminuicao do infiltrado inflamatorio e normalizacao dos niveis de insulina quando comparado aos controles. Foi observado tambem que animais NOD2-/- tiveram uma reducao da populacao de linfocitos Th17, Tc17, Th1 e T citotoxicos nos linfonodos pancreaticos, o que correlaciona com a inibicao da producao de IL-23p19 e IFN- no pancreas. Em paralelo, foi evidenciado o aumento do numero de celulas T reguladoras, macrofagos do perfil M2 nos linfonodos pancreaticos e elevada producao de IL-10 no pancreas de animais NOD2-/-. Alem disso, foi observado que animais NOD2-/- apresentaram uma menor populacao de linfocitos T duplo-positivos (Foxp3+RORt+ e IL-17+IFN+). Posteriormente, foi detectado menor producao de IL- 1, IL-6, IL-23p19 e IL-12p40 por celulas dendriticas de animais deficientes de NOD2. De forma interessante, foi observada a translocacao de bacterias para os linfonodos pancreaticos de animais diabeticos. Adicionalmente, animais tratados com antibioticos tornaram-se resistentes ao DM1, o que nos fornece indicios da contribuicao da microbiota intestinal na inducao da doenca. Por fim, comprovamos alta expressao genica de NOD2 nos linfonodos pancreaticos e no pancreas na fase inicial (pre-diabetica) em outro modelo de DM1, utilizando camundongos NOD (nonobese diabetic mice). Portanto, nossos dados indicam que a ativacao do receptor NOD2 por componentes bacterianos da microbiota intestinal induz a producao de citocinas pro-inflamatorias com subsequente diferenciacao/conversao de linfocitos do perfil Th17/Th1 e progressao do DM1. Dessa forma, estes dados apontam o bloqueio do receptor NOD2 como uma potencial terapia imunomoduladora para o DM1 em humanos. / Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that precipitates due to defects in the self tolerance to auto- antigens, resulting in the autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic cells in genetically susceptible individuals. NOD-like (NLRs) receptors are intracellular receptors responsible for the recognition of pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Recent studies have shown a role of NOD1 and NOD2 receptors in the innate immune response against pathogens and in the adaptive immune response, since its activation leads to the generation of cytokines related to the differentiation of IL-17-producing T helper cells (Th17). However, the role of these receptors in T1D remains elusive. Therefore, we investigated the role of NOD1 and NOD2 receptors in the pathogenesis of T1D, focusing on the differentiation of Treg/Th1/Th17 lymphocytes and in the plasticity of these subtypes. Our data demonstrate that NOD2-/- mice, but not NOD1-/- or RIP2-/-, are resistant to T1D, as shown by the lower incidence, hyperglycemia, less insulitis and normal insulin production when compared to wild type mice. It was also observed that NOD2-/- mice have a reduction in the Th17, Tc17, Th1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte population within the pancreatic lymph nodes (PLNs), which correlates with the inhibition of IL-23p19 and IFN production in the pancreas. In parallel, there was an increase in Treg cells, M2 macrophages in the PLNs and IL-10 production in the pancreatic tissue of NOD2-/- mice. Also, NOD2-/- mice presented a downregulation of Foxp3+RORt+ and IL-17+IFN+ double-positive T cells. Later, it was shown that IL-1, IL-6, IL-23p19 and IL-12p40 production was downregulated in mice deficient to the NOD2 receptor. Interestingly, we observed a bacterial translocation to the pancreatic lymph nodes in diabetic mice, what could be triggering NOD2 activation, thus contributing to T1D development. As expected, mice pre-treated with antibiotics failed to become diabetic, suggesting a possible role of the gut microbiota in the development of the disease. Lastly, we observed a higher relative expression of NOD2 in the PLNs and pancreas of pre-diabetic mice, using another mouse model of the disease, the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse. Collectively, our data suggest that components from the gut microbiota are capable of translocating to the PLNs, thus triggering the activation of NOD2, which in turn induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines related to the differentiation of Th1/Th17 cells, thus contributing to T1D development in a mouse model of the disease. Therefore, the blockade of NOD2 appears as an interesting therapeutical target in the treatment of type 1 diabetes in humans.