Lay Summary

Proposal No. IBD-0014
Principal Investigator:   Stephen J. Danon, Ph.D.
Institution:  University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia)
Project Title:  Immunization with mucous-associated bacteria of the intestine, including helicobacter species, as a novel approach to the prevention and amelioration of inflammatory bowel disease
Award Period:  August 1, 2002 - July 31, 2003

The role of bacteria in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly in the initiation of inflammation, has been suspected for many years, yet no specific microorganism or group of organisms have been conclusively identified as causing IBD.  Recent animal studies have indicated that the populations of bacteria that are intimately associated with the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal tract could initiate and perpetuate the inflammation of IBD.  These bacteria live in the mucous layer, close to the gut surface both in humans and in animals.  In mice, these bacteria mostly belong to a group called Helicobacter species.  They are distantly related to bacteria that cause ulcers in the stomach or duodenum in humans.

Exciting preliminary experiments from our laboratory have shown that immunization against these bacteria can eliminate IBD in animal models of IBD.  This project aims to extend this preliminary vaccination work by identifying the mucous-associated bacteria that are responsible for disease initiation and understanding the impact that these bacteria have on the immune system.  The results of this study will provide a better understanding of the microbiology and immunology involved in IBD prevention, with a view to devising strategies that can ultimately be used to develop effective vaccines against human IBD.