Myeloid-specific NLRP12 is a checkpoint of colonic inflammation by promoting taurine-driven microbiota 2309979

G Guannan Huang (University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center) D Dingka Song (Shanghai Jiaotong University) S Shuangshuang Yang J John Wrobel (UNC-CH) L Lianyong Su (VCU) W Willie Brickey (UNC-CH) K Katherine Barnett (UNC-CH) W Wei-Chun Chou H Hao Guo X Xiaoqing Hu G Guozhi Zhang H Huiping Zhou E Erin Baker (4University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Department of Chemistry, Chapel Hill, United States) N Noah Palm (Yale) R Ryan Sartor (UNC-CH) J Jenny Ting (UNC-CH)

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) exhibit a global disease burden, with pathogenesis driven by the dynamic interplay of genetic susceptibility, gut microbial dysbiosis, and immune dysregulation. We studied the tissue-specific regulatory role of Nlrp12 in gut microbial dysbiosis and colonic inflammation and revealed a complex regulatory link of myeloid-specific NLRP12 and the promotion of taurine to induce colitis-mitigating bacteria while restraining bacterial species that exacerbate gut inflammation. Methods We generated Nlrp12flox/flox (Nlrp12fl/fl) mice and created both myeloids-specific cre and epithelial-specific cre mouse. We used both conventional mouse and germ-free mouse model. For acute colitis induction, we used DSS for 5 days and then regular drinking water. DSS-AOM was used for colorectal cancer model. ELISA and western blot were used to study cytokine production and signaling pathways. Fecal microbiome profiling was done by 16s rRNA sequencing. We also have human fecal sample and qPCR was used to quantify specific strains. Fecal microbiome transfer was used to study the causality between genetics, microbial species and colitis. Results Myeloid-specific , but not epithelial-specifc expression of NLRP12 is protective against colitis. Deficiency of Nlrp12 in myeloid cells has minimal effects on colorectal cancer. Myeloid-specific NLRP12 does not result in inflammasome activation in the colitis model. Deficiency of Nlrp12 in myeloid cells promotes microbial dysbiosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation from WT mice attenuates colonic inflammation in Nlrp12ΔMye mice. Allobaculum exacerbate DSS-induced colitis in GF mice. Human IBD patient samples demonstrate similar microbial signatures. Fecal metabolomic analysis reveals alterations in taurine and bile acid metabolism in Nlrp12ΔMye mice. Conclusion This work reveals the profound effect of a host innate immune checkpoint that functions in a cell-specific fashion to protect against metabolomics changes and dysbiosis. that leads to colitis. Funding Source NIH Topic Categories Innate Immune Responses and Host Defense: Cellular Mechanisms (INC)

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 215, Issue Supplement_1
Published August 01, 2026
ISSN 0022-1767
Publisher American Association of Immunologists

Authors (16)

G

Guannan Huang

University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

D

Dingka Song

Shanghai Jiaotong University

S

Shuangshuang Yang

J

John Wrobel

UNC-CH

L

Lianyong Su

VCU

W

Willie Brickey

UNC-CH

K

Katherine Barnett

UNC-CH

W

Wei-Chun Chou

H

Hao Guo

X

Xiaoqing Hu

G

Guozhi Zhang

H

Huiping Zhou

E

Erin Baker

4University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Department of Chemistry, Chapel Hill, United States

N

Noah Palm

Yale

R

Ryan Sartor

UNC-CH

J

Jenny Ting

UNC-CH