Wednesday, December 14th
Vaginal Lactobacilli-secreted anti-inflammatory compounds
Smita Gopinath
The vaginal microbiome in a healthy human primarily consists of lactobacilli species. Loss of these lactobacilli is linked to multiple inflammatory conditions including bacterial vaginosis and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. We hypothesized that vaginal lactobacilli strains actively modulate mucosal immunity and can be mined as a source of novel anti-inflammatory bioactives. We have previously shown that targeted activation of innate immune cells in the vaginal mucosa of mice can successfully protect the tissue against viral infection. We use human macrophage reporter cells to screen vaginal lactobacilli strains for anti-inflammatory compounds. Using this pipeline, we have identified an anti-inflammatory supernatant from multiple vaginal lactobacilli strains. With collaborators, we have identified an active compound that can suppress both inflammatory and interferon signaling downstream of multiple Toll-like receptors. Our preliminary data identify a broadly effective topical anti-inflammatory compound with the goal of testing usage in vaginal and other mucosal surfaces.
BTIP Agenda
- In-person convening and light dinner: 5:30 – 5:45pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
- Zoom presentation: 5:45 – 6:45pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
- In-person networking: 6:45 – 7:00pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Contact
For more information about BTIP or to request an invitation, please contact Ifat Rubin-Bejerano, Senior Director of Translational Research.