We found that a population of gut neurons can inhibit intestinal immune responses controlled by type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3).

ILC3s are a group of immune cells known to increase intestinal immune barrier against microbes. ILC3s also control intestinal capture of nutrients from the diet, reducing the efficiency of fat absorption.

We found that neuronal inhibition of ILC3s leads to reduction in intestinal immune barrier, but in counterpart, promotes increase in the efficiency of fat absorption from the diet. Moreover, these gut neurons are activated by food consumption which triggers inhibition of ILC3 , and increase nutrient absorption. Therefore, this neuroimmune circuit coordinates immune-nutritional trade-offs in the intestine in response to diet, prioritizing nutrient capture over immune barrier.

Using state-of-the art tools we are investigating the cellular circuits for diet sensing and activation of neuroimmune circuits.

More here:

1- Talbot J. et al. Feeding-dependent VIP neuron–ILC3 circuit regulates the intestinal barrier. Nature. 2020; 579:575.

We are investigating how distinct types of gut neurons maintain intestinal homeostasis by sensing commensals microbes and pathogens.

We are interested in understanding how intestinal perturbations (immune, microbial and dietary) can promote long-term changes in the enteric nervous system.