The role of the virome in inflammatory bowel disease and hidradenitis suppurativa: enteric virome dynamics during IBD treatment and HS skin virome exploration

Abstract:Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are a group of chronic remitting diseases involving inflammation of the gut. It is commonly categorized into two major phenotypes: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is characterized by a continuous inflammation confined to the colonic mucosa, while CD presents a patchy transmural inflammation that has the potential to affect any layer of the gastrointestinal tract. Although the exact cause of IBD remains unknown, the current working hypothesis suggests that environmental factors trigger an abnormal immune response directed at the gut microbiota, particularly in genetically susceptible individuals. Central to this hypothesis lies the involvement of the microbiota — a complex micro-ecosystem consisting of viruses, fungi, bacteria, archaea and protozoa, recognized for providing essential functions to the human body. Disruptions in this ecosystem can result in dysbiosis, an unfavorable microbial state linked to complications, such as a compromised gut barrier integrity. Dysbiosis is a consistent characteristic not only described in IBD, but also in related conditions, such as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). It has primarily been attributed to alterations in the bacterial component of the microbiota, often sidelining viruses and other members of the microbiota. This thesis aims to delve deeper into the role of the virome in the pathophysiology of IBD and HS. It seeks to explore various aspects of viral dynamics and their impact on disease progression, treatment response, and overall clinical outcomes. It investigates the composition, diversity and behavior of the virome in IBD and HS patients, elucidating its interactions with the immune system and the bacterial microbiota. Through viral community typing, the thesis identifies virome configurations linked to therapeutic responses in IBD patients, potentially enhancing treatment prediction models. Furthermore, it examines the viral component in UC patients undergoing faecal microbiota transplants (FMT), revealing virome instability influenced by colonic inflammation, suggesting strategies to optimize FMT outcomes. Finally, the thesis explores the skin virome's connection with HS, identifying core phageome groups associated with disease severity, indicating potential clinical relevance by modulating skin bacteria.

Publication year:2024

Accessibility:Closed