SIM-IBD

• Overall objective:

The gut microbiota plays a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and thus constitutes a potential therapeutic target in these diseases. However, the vast majority of available data concerns the fecal or colonic microbiome, whereas the small intestine microbiome probably plays an even more important role. The objectives of the SIM-IBD project are to characterize the small intestine microbiota, the influence of diet on this microbiota, its alteration in IBD and its role in pathogenesis and as a therapeutic target/tool.

• Scientific and societal issues:

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and other microbiota-related pathologies represent a growing burden, yet their pathogenesis, particularly the host-microbiota dialogue, remains poorly understood. Current treatments are often ineffective and primarily target the host. The SIM-IBD project will provide essential data to better understand these interactions in physiological and pathological contexts, paving the way for new therapies targeting both the host and the microbiota.

This project promotes collaborative and multidisciplinary research, combining immunity, mucosa, and metabolism.

• Project focuses:

The project is divided into five parts:
1) Characterize the small intestinal microbiota in intestinal health and inflammation.
2) Evaluate the effects of various dietary factors on the small intestinal microbiome.
3) Further explore the role of adherent-invasive Escherichia coli in ileal inflammation.
4) Better understand small intestinal-host interactions in health and IBD (including mechanistic aspects).
5) Identify new therapeutic targets or diagnostic tools for IBD based on newly acquired knowledge of the small intestinal microbiota.

• SIM-IBD project presentation video