Intestine mucosal IL-22 is reduced following oral probiotic administration: implications on epithelial barrier repair

Abstract

Interleukin‐22 (IL‐22) is known to play a key regulatory role at mucosal surfaces including the gut. IL‐22 receptor is predominantly expressed on intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and evidence suggests that IL‐22 can promote intestinal inflammation and mucosal healing. This study demonstrates a role of probiotics in reducing mucosal IL‐22 and investigates the functional role of IL‐22 on IEC in vitro . Rectal biopsies were obtained from active ulcerative colitis patients immediately prior to probiotic (VSL#3) oral administration and approx. 2 months post‐exposure. Biopsies were cultured in comple..