Clostridium butyricum-induced ω-3 fatty acid 18-HEPE elicits anti-influenza virus pneumonia effects through interferon-λ upregulation

Cell Rep. 2022 Dec 13;41(11):111755. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111755.

Abstract

The precise mechanism by which butyrate-producing bacteria in the gut contribute to resistance to respiratory viral infections remains to be elucidated. Here, we describe a gut-lung axis mechanism and report that orally administered Clostridium butyricum (CB) enhances influenza virus infection resistance through upregulation of interferon (IFN)-λ in lung epithelial cells. Gut microbiome-induced ω-3 fatty acid 18-hydroxy eicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) promotes IFN-λ production through the G protein-coupled receptor (GPR)120 and IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-1/-7 activations. CB promotes 18-HEPE production in the gut and enhances ω-3 fatty acid sensitivity in the lungs by promoting GPR120 expression. This study finds a gut-lung axis mechanism and provides insights into the treatments and prophylaxis for viral respiratory infections.

Keywords: 18-hydroxy eicosapentaenoic acid; CP: Immunology; CP: Microbiology; Clostridium butyricum; G protein-coupled receptor 120; influenza virus; interferon-λ; mouse pneumonia; ω-3 fatty acid.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Clostridium butyricum* / metabolism
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interferon Lambda
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections*
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Interferon Lambda
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3