Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology (Mar 2024)

Correlation of caecal microbiome endotoxins genes and intestinal immune cells in Eimeria tenella infection based on bioinformatics

  • Mingzheng Han,
  • Jiale Li,
  • Yijin Wu,
  • Jianzhao Liao

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2024.1382160
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

Read online

IntroductionThe infection with Eimeria tenella (ET) can elicit expression of various intestinal immune cells, incite inflammation, disrupt intestinal homeostasis, and facilitate co-infection with diverse bacteria. However, the reciprocal interaction between intestinal immune cells and intestinal flora in the progression of ET-infection remains unclear.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between cecal microbial endotoxin (CME)-related genes and intestinal immunity in ET-infection, with subsequent identification of hub potential biomarker and immunotherapy target.MethodsDifferential expression genes (DEGs) within ET-infection and hub genes related to CME were identified through GSE39602 dataset based on bioinformatic methods and Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Moreover, immune infiltration was analyzed by CIBERSORT method. Subsequently, comprehensive functional enrichment analyses employing Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis along with Gene Ontology (GO), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) were performed.ResultsA total of 1089 DEGs and 25 hub genes were identified and CXCR4 was ultimately identified as a essential CME related potential biomarker and immunotherapy target in the ET-infection. Furthermore, activated natural killer cells, M0 macrophages, M2 macrophages, and T regulatory cells were identified as expressed intestinal immune cells. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that both DEGs and hub genes were significantly enriched in immune-related signaling pathways.ConclusionCXCR4 was identified as a pivotal CME-related potential biomarker and immunotherapy target for expression of intestinal immune cells during ET-infection. These findings have significant implications in elucidating the intricate interplay among ET-infection, CME, and intestinal immunity.

Keywords