Immunomodulatory effects of microbiota-derived metabolite pentanoate on lymphocytes

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Alexander Visekruna
• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: from 2020 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431407925

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are mainly generated by bacterial fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates such as dietary fiber. For a long time, SCFAs have been considered as primary end-products of the bacterial metabolism without any specific function in our body. In the last decade, however, new investigations have revealed that SCFAs are active microbial metabolites, which are able to modulate the function of immune cells in the intestine and other tissues. Recent studies have highlighted the immunomodulatory potential of SCFAs butyrate, propionate and acetate in several autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. In this project, we will examine the effect of the SCFA pentanoate on the function of B and T lymphocytes. An essential question of the project is whether pentanoate is capable of protecting against T cell-mediated immunopathology.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Israel
• International Co-Applicant: Dr. Yoav David Shaul