Influence of bacteriophages on the immune functions of the intestinal epithelium

The intestinal epithelial cells constitute the single layer of epithelium that forms a barrier that separates the intestinal lumen from the immunocompetent cells of the GALT system. The intestinal epithelium is now considered an important part of the gut immune system necessary for the induction and regulation of both non-specific and specific immune responses in the intestinal mucosa. Impaired immune function of epithelial cells may contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and food allergies. The main goal of the project is to evaluate the effects of bacteriophages (bacterial viruses) on the immune functions of the intestinal epithelium in vitro. Research method / methodology used All experiments will be performed on the Caco-2 cell line. In the first stage of the study, the influence of bacteriophages on the expression of selected genes important for the immune functions of the intestinal epithelium will be assessed. Gene expression will be assessed using the RT2 Profiler PCR Assay kit. Significant bacteriophage-induced changes in gene expression will be verified by measuring the production of the corresponding proteins by ELISA (for soluble proteins) or by flow cytometry (for membrane proteins). The influence of the expected results on the development of science, civilization and society. According to our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the influence of bacteriophages on the immune functions of the intestinal epithelium. The implementation of the project will broaden the knowledge of the role of the intestinal microflora in the regulation of immune homeostasis in the intestinal mucosa and the pathogenesis of IBD and food allergies.