Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), arises from a complex interplay of host genetics, environmental factors, and the gut microbiome. Immunoglobulin A (IgA), a key component of mucosal immunity, plays a pivotal role in shaping the gut microbiota by targeting specific bacterial taxa. We investigate the interactions between gut bacteria and IgA, the most abundant antibody secreted in the gastrointestinal tract, and how these interactions differ between IBD subtypes in the KINDRED cohort—one of the largest familial IBD cohorts.

Approach

The study aims to compare IgA secretion and IgA-bacteria binding patterns in IgA-bound (IgA⁺) and IgA-unbound (IgA⁻) fractions from stool samples, evaluating their impact on the taxonomic and functional diversity of the gut microbiome. Comprehensive clinical metadata from KINDRED participants allow for detailed correlation studies between IgA patterns and disease-specific characteristics, including IBD subtype, surgical history, disease location, and family history of IBD.

Analysis & Validation

The longitudinal and familial design of the KINDRED cohort offers a unique opportunity to study IBD through both genetic and environmental lenses. The findings from this project will provide novel insights into IgA’s role in shaping the gut microbiome in the context of IBD. By identifying disease-specific microbial markers, this work has the potential to advance our understanding of host-microbe interactions and inform the development of innovative therapeutic strategies and biomarkers for IBD.