Expression of the Blood-Group-Related Gene B4galnt2 Alters Susceptibility to Salmonella Infection

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005008
• Publication Date: 2015-07-02T18:05:50Z
• Authors: Philipp Rausch; Natalie Steck; Abdulhadi Suwandi; Janice A. Seidel; Sven Künzel; Kirandeep Bhullar; Marijana Basic; Andre Bleich; Jill M. Johnsen; Bruce A. Vallance; John F. Baines; Guntram A. Grassl
• Keywords: Salmonella infection

Glycans play important roles in host-microbe interactions. Tissue-specific expression patterns of the blood group glycosyltransferase β-1,4-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 (B4galnt2) are variable wild mouse populations, and loss B4galnt2 is associated with altered intestinal microbiota. We hypothesized that variation alters susceptibility to pathogens. To test this, we challenged mice genetically engineered express different tissue-specific a Salmonella Typhimurium infection model. found was strongly bacterial community composition increased as evidenced by inflammatory cytokines infiltrating immune cells. Fecal transfer experiments demonstrated crucial role B4galnt2-dependent microbiota conferring inflammation, while epithelial facilitated invasion S. Typhimurium. These data support critical for gastrointestinal infections. speculate B4galnt2-specific differences host pathogens underlie strong signatures balancing selection observed at locus populations.