Evaluation of the role of butyrate via the GPR109 receptor in the differentiation of follicular regulatory T lymphocytes and immunoregulation of DM1 in an experimental model

• Grant number: 24/23656-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Daniela Carlos Sartori
• Grantee: Matheus Felipe Pardim
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/14815-0 - Evaluation of the intestinal microbioma profile and of the therapeutic potential of intervention strategies in the immunopathogeny of type 1 and 2 Diabetes, AP.JP2

Abstract

Dietary fibers are fermented in the large intestine by anaerobic microbiota and result in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), including acetate, butyrate and propionate. Recently, a study reported that supplementing diabetic NOD mice with an acetate-rich diet substantially reduced the frequency of autoreactive T lymphocytes and B cells. On the other hand, a diet rich in butyrate potentiated the amount and function of regulatory T lymphocytes. Based on this evidence, we believe that butyrate via its receptor GPR109 will cause the differentiation of regulatory follicular T lymphocytes (Tfr) and the maintenance of immunoregulatory mechanisms (intestinal and pancreatic), which will result in protection against DM1.