Modulates Gut Microbiota and Induces Regulatory T Cells to Alleviate Colitis in Mice.

Abstract

() is unicellular green algae consumed worldwide as a functional food. The immune stimulatory function ofis known; however, no study has elucidated its immune regulatory potential and associated microbiome modulation. In the current study, we aimed to validate the immune regulatory role ofmediated through two mechanisms. Initially, we assessed its ability to promote the expansion of the regulatory T cell (Treg) population. Subsequently, we investigated its impact on gut microbiota composition and associated metabolites. The supplementation ofaltered the gut microbiota composition, accompanied by increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) production in mice at homeostasis. We later usedin the treatment of a DSS-induced colitis model.intervention alleviated the pathological symptom of colitis in mice, with a corresponding increase in Treg levels. Asis a safe and widely used food supplement, it can be a feasible strategy to instigate cross-talk between the host immune system and the intestinal flora for the effective management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).