How changing gut microbiota can affect lupus disease activity in mice

Research led by The Ohio State University College of Medicine and the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center found that introducing a single bacterium called segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) to the gut microbiota causes detrimental effects on lupus nephritis in mice. Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the body's own cells and organs. It predominantly affects young women and can be associated with significant internal organ damage.

Dr. Wael Jarjour, MD, professor of Internal Medicine and director of the Division of Rheumatology and Immunology at The Ohio State College of Medicine, and his team are responsible for this major finding on SFB.

“It provides a basis for future studies that will examine the effects of interventions that target the gut microbiota in the management of lupus," said Dr. Wael Jarjour. 

Read the full press release on the study which shows how changing gut microbiota can affect lupus disease activity in mice (external link).