Pro-inflammatory T cells-derived cytokines enhance the maturation of the human fetal intestinal epithelial barrier

Francesca P. Giugliano, Marit Navis, Sarah Ouahoud, Tânia Martins Garcia, Irini A.M. Kreulen, Evelina Ferrantelli, Sander Meisner, Jacqueline L.M. Vermeulen, Manon van Roest, Jean Noël Billaud, Jan Koster, Yousif Dawood, Bernadette S. de Bakker, Daisy I. Picavet-Havik, Irene M. Schimmel, Nicole N. van der Wel, Pim J. Koelink, Manon E. Wildenberg, Joep P.M. Derikx, Wouter J. de JongeIngrid B. Renes, Ruurd M. van Elburg, Vanesa Muncan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Small intestine (SI) maturation during early life is pivotal in preventing the onset of gut diseases. In this study we interrogated the milestones of SI development by gene expression profiling and ingenuity pathway analyses. We identified a set of cytokines as main regulators of changes observed across different developmental stages. Upon cytokines stimulation, with IFNγ as the most contributing factor, human fetal organoids (HFOs) increase brush border gene expression and enzyme activity as well as trans-epithelial electrical resistance. Electron microscopy revealed developed brush border and loss of fetal cell characteristics in HFOs upon cytokine stimulation. We identified T cells as major source of IFNγ production in the fetal SI lamina propria. Co-culture of HFOs with T cells recapitulated the major effects of cytokine stimulation. Our findings underline pro-inflammatory cytokines derived from T cells as pivotal factors inducing functional SI maturation in vivo and capable of modulating the barrier maturation of HFOs in vitro.

Original languageEnglish
Article number109909
JournaliScience
Volume27
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Jun 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cell biology
  • Developmental biology
  • Immunology

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