Fucose upregulates inflammatory immune response in GI tract

Abstract

The immunomodulating effects of fucose on the intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) towards the enteropathogen, Escherichia coli O157: H7 (E. coli O157) and/ or the probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) were investigated. It was found that the presence of high concentration of free fucose in the gastrointestinal tract may act as a danger signal for IECs; thereby priming both the innate and adaptive immune system, and mucosal integrity. However, when the cells were incubated in fucose with 108 of E. coli O157 or LcS, the magnitude of immune responses observed were reduced. The reverse was seen when the total concentration of the bacteria was doubled (a mixture of 108 of E. coli O157 and 108 LcS) in the presence of fucose. Thus this may suggest that fucose is an immuno-modulator and the molar ratio between the bacteria and free fucose molecules determines the immune responses elicited. (145 words)