Identification of the gut microbiota capable of colonization resistance against K. pneumoniae

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K07544
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 49050:Bacteriology-related
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: ATARASHI Koji 慶應義塾大学, 医学部(信濃町), 准教授 (60546787)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: クレブシエラ / 腸内細菌 / 炎症性腸疾患

Outline of Final Research Achievements

I have searched intestinal bacteria that involved in the colonization resistance against Klebsiella pneumoniae. K. pneumoniae can contribute the activation of Th1 cell and induce intestinal inflammation. From the fecal samples collected from healthy volunteers, I screened and identified that a set of 18 bacterial strains have the ability of colonization resistance against Klebsiella. I found that these 18 strains strongly contributed to the inhibition of internal colonization of Klebsiella, and further clarified that 18 strains are involved in the suppression of intestinal inflammation. In addition, it is suggested that metabolites produced by 18 strains and nutritional competition are seem to be responsible for colonization resistance against Klebsiella by 18 strains.

Free Research Field

腸内細菌学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

炎症性腸疾患はまだ根治療法が開発されておらず、治療薬の開発が急務である疾患の一つである。発症要因の一つに腸内細菌の異常が挙げられており、便移植等による治療法も検討されているが優れた治療効果は得られていない。本研究では、炎症性腸疾患の発症に関与しているクレブシエラ菌を腸内から排除するヒト健常者由来の18菌株を同定することに成功した。そこで、この18菌株を用いた、炎症性腸疾患に対する新たな治療薬や予防法の開発につながることが期待される。