The role of inflammasomes and tuft cells in eicosanoid release by intestinal epithelial cells.

Eicosanoids are signaling molecules that contribute to both the development and resolution of inflammation. Inflammasomes are immune sensors that help to trigger immune responses to infection. Tuft cells are specialized cells of the intestinal lining that are important during infection with parasitic worms. Eicosanoids and inflammasomes have been separately implicated in IBD, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The role of tuft cells in IBD has not been studied. We hypothesize, based on results from our previous research, that tuft cells are a primary source of eicosanoids when inflammasomes are triggered in the intestinal lining. We plan to use specialized tools obtained or generated by our research groups to confirm this hypothesis and to assess how this unique convergence of tuft cells, inflammasomes, and eicosanoids might contribute to IBD. Drugs to modify the effects of eicosanoids are already available, thus our findings could have immediate clinical implications.