Towards Targeting the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Cystic Fibrosis

• Main Authors: Matteo Puccetti (Author), Giuseppe Paolicelli (Author), Vasileios Oikonomou (Author), Antonella De Luca (Author), Giorgia Renga (Author), Monica Borghi (Author), Marilena Pariano (Author), Claudia Stincardini (Author), Lucia Scaringi (Author), Stefano Giovagnoli (Author), Maurizio Ricci (Author), Luigina Romani (Author), Teresa Zelante (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Hindawi Limited, 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Tryptophan (trp) metabolism is an important regulatory component of gut mucosal homeostasis and the microbiome. Metabolic pathways targeting the trp can lead to a myriad of metabolites, of both host and microbial origins, some of which act as endogenous low-affinity ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a cytosolic, ligand-operated transcription factor that is involved in many biological processes, including development, cellular differentiation and proliferation, xenobiotic metabolism, and the immune response. Low-level activation of AhR by endogenous ligands is beneficial in the maintenance of immune health and intestinal homeostasis. We have defined a functional node whereby certain bacteria species contribute to host/microbial symbiosis and mucosal homeostasis. A microbial trp metabolic pathway leading to the production of indole-3-aldehyde (3-IAld) by lactobacilli provided epithelial protection while inducing antifungal resistance via the AhR/IL-22 axis. In this review, we highlight the role of AhR in inflammatory lung diseases and discuss the possible therapeutic use of AhR ligands in cystic fibrosis.

Item Description

0962-9351
1466-1861
10.1155/2018/1601486