Effect of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 in the prevention gluten immunopathology.

The only treatment for celiac disease (CeD) is a strict gluten-free diet, which is very difficult to follow. Despite following gluten-free diet, many celiacs experience ongoing inflammation and symptoms, highlighting the need for additional therapies. We have shown that celiacs have an altered composition of bacteria in their gut, and this leads to defective bacterial breakdown of the essential amino acid tryptophan. Normally, these products of tryptophan digestion signal through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor to modulate inflammation. But, decreased production of these tryptophan molecules by gut bacteria in celiacs may contribute to inflammation, and is a pathway that could be targeted therapeutically. We also found that the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii can activate the AhR pathway, suggesting this well characterized probiotic could be of therapeutic interest in CeD. In this proposal we will investigate the preclinical effectiveness of Saccharomyces boulardii administration using a celiac-prone mouse model that carries HLA-DQ8, one of the 2 genes necessary for development of CeD.

Faculty Supervisor:

Elena Verdu

Student:

Partner:

Biocodex Canada Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McMaster University

Program: