Lay Summary

Proposal No. IBD-0236
Principal Investigator: Richard Gearry, MBChB, Ph.D.
Applicant Organization: University of Otago (Dunedin, New Zealand)
Project Title: A novel cellular assay system to assess the ptoential role of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in the development and progression of Crohn's disease
Period of Award: June 1, 2008 – March 31, 2010

Recent technological advances have allowed the identification of a number of genes that are associated with risk to CD. Many of these genes are pivotal in ensuring an adequate immune response is mounted against bacteria. Of the bacteria that may trigger or maintain inflammation in CD, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) need further investigation.

We will investigate how an individual’s genetic makeup affects their immune response to MAP. To obtain an accurate insight into this process we propose an innovative approach in which MAP will be exposed to cells from human blood that normally recognise and destroy disease-causing bacteria.

An additional key part of this research is to use our model system to investigate whether antibiotics that have been used to treat CD have an effect on MAP. The objective of this part of the project is to clarify whether targeted use of these antibiotics in patients that test positively for MAP will be of therapeutic benefit.

This research will provide valuable information regarding the role that MAP plays in CD. Application of this knowledge may lead to more focused therapy, and ultimately help in preventing this debilitating disease.