Newly discovered immune system cells in the gut could be key to stopping early inflammation

What the research is looking at?

A type of cell, called Vδ2T-cells, which are normally found in the blood, have been found in human intestines. Although there is little known about the role of these cells causing inflammation in the gut, Vδ2T-cells are thought to make other inflammatory cells 'switch on', causing over-inflammation. 

Vδ2T-cells are rapidly activated by exposure to bacteria – this means that they may play an important role in the early stages of Crohn’s (which is characterised by an over-response to bacteria in the gut). 

It may, therefore, be possible to target Vδ2T-cells and manipulate them to stop the chain of inflammation in early Crohn's before the disease has become more established. This may prevent complications developing, and reduce the need for stronger medications. 

The aim of the research is to study Vδ2T-cells in people with Crohn's, and compare them with the cells found in people without the condition. Interestingly, it is already known that the immunosuppressant drug azathioprine reduces the number of Vδ2T-cells – which may explain why it is so efficacious. However, the complete loss of Vδ2T-cells from the blood may lead to an increased risk of cancer because these cells play an important role protecting from cancer. This means that the researchers need to find a way of manipulating the Vδ2T-cells which will reduce gut inflammation – but also not expose people to the risk associated with completely removing all the cells. 

Conclusions: 

The researchers looked at the Vδ2T-cells in the blood of young patients with Crohn’s Disease with an average age of 13 and found disease related changes in the function of the cells. They found that increased production of pro-inflammatory chemicals by Vδ2T-cells in the colon of young adults with Crohn’s. The pro-inflammatory activity of intestinal Vδ2T-cells was influenced by exposure to derivatives of dietary vitamin A, and these cells were selectively targeted and destroyed by standard doses of azathioprine therapy. 

What do researchers think this could this mean for people with IBD? 

It may be possible to reduce the Vδ2T-cell contribution to intestinal inflammation by manipulating the diet rather than by removing these cells altogether using azathioprine therapy, perhaps leading to effective new anti-inflammatory treatments that better preserve the anti-cancer role of Vδ2T-cells in the blood. 

Who is leading the research: Dr James Lindsay, Barts and the London School of Medicine
Our funding: £60,000 over 12 months
Official title of the application: "Disrupting Vδ2T-cell function in the gut: a novel approach to therapy in early stage Crohn's disease.
Tags: Genetics / Drugs