Role of the high affinity immunoglobulin E receptor in bacterial translocation and intestinal inflammation

A role for immunoglobulin E and its high affinity receptor (Fc epsilon RI) in the control of bacterial pathogenicity and intestinal inflammation has b een suggested, but relevant animal models are lacking. Here we compare tran sgenic mice expressing a humanized Fc epsilon RI (hFc epsilon RI), with a c ell distribution similar to that in humans, to Fc epsilon RI-deficient anim als. In hFc epsilon RI transgenic mice, levels of colonic interleukin 4 wer e higher, the composition of fecal flora was greatly modified, and bacteria l translocation towards mesenteric lymph nodes was increased. In hFc epsilo n RI transgenic mice, 2,4,6-tri-nitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced co litis was also more pronounced, whereas Fc epsilon RI-deficient animals wer e protected front colitis, demonstrating that Fc epsilon RI can affect the onset of intestinal inflammation.