Grant: Project Grant

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of chronic conditions affecting 300,000 Canadians and millions worldwide. These diseases arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that disrupt gut immune balance, leading to persistent and recurring inflammation. While current treatments help many patients, a significant number experience limited or no relief, highlighting the urgent need for better therapies. Mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a specialized type of immune cell abundant in the gut. These cells respond to microbial signals and produce molecules that can either protect the gut or, under certain conditions, exacerbate inflammation. Our research suggests that MAIT cells play a protective role in a mouse model of colitis. However, the timing of their activation is critical in determining their impact on disease: early activation helps prevent gut inflammation, whereas activation once inflammation is established can worsen disease severity. These findings highlight the need to better understand how MAIT cells function in the gut and what signals influence their behavior. This project aims to (1) assess the role of MAIT cells in established colitis models, (2) characterize MAIT cell responses in the gut during inflammation, and (3) identify the signals driving their activation. Using advanced mouse models, we will investigate how MAIT cells contribute to antimicrobial defense, inflammation, fibrosis and tissue repair. By advancing our understanding of MAIT cell biology and mucosal immunity, this research could reveal novel therapeutic strategies for IBD. Targeting MAIT cells or their activation may offer innovative approaches to controlling inflammation, limiting fibrosis, promoting tissue repair, and improving outcomes for patients who do not respond to existing treatments.