Commensal microbiota regulation of neuro-immune networks
The enteric nervous system (ENS), neuronal and glial cells, development and function can be influenced by the microbiota. Germ-free mice have defective maturation of enteric glial and neuronal cells; colonization with microbiota rescues these defects. Production of neuroregulatory molecules by these neuronal cells involved microbial product sensing via MYD88. Importantly, glial-specific or neuron-specific deletion of Myd88 leads to decreased intestinal neuroregulators and consequent impaired innate lymphoid cell (ILC) activation. The identity of commensal microorganisms and the neuronal and glial cells sensing molecular pathways that could influence neuroregulators secretion affecting neuroimmune interactions are unknown. By using neuronal-specific mutants and their colonization with distinct microbiota, the present project aims to understand how glial- and neuron-derived regulators are influenced by particular commensal microorganisms and how this active neuronal sensing impacts of defined neuroimmune cell units, notably on the glial-ILC3 and neuron-ILC2 interactions. For this purpose, we will take advantage of a strong collaborative environment and cutting-edge techniques, including gnotobiotic animals, cre-lox technology, and neurosphere-derived organoids. Deciphering these new pathways of ENS-microbial crosstalk will improve our understanding of this equilibrium and will contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies in mucosal diseases. This highly innovative and interdisciplinary project will allow me to expand my conceptual and technical knowledge of the host-microbiota dialogue, acquire new technical skills and reinforce my scientific network.