Compositions and methods for induction of th17 cells

Abstract

Strains of human-derived bacteria have been obtained from complex fecal samples and shown to induce accumulation of Th17 cells in the intestine and promote immune functions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these bacteria can be used as anti-infectives and as adjuvants in mucosal vaccines.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A composition that induces proliferation and/or accumulation of Th17 cells, the composition comprising, as an active component, (a) one or more bacteria selected from the group consisting of:  Clostridium symbiosum, Clostridium hathewayi, Clostridium citroniae, Clostridium bolteae, Ruminococcus  sp. M-1 , Ruminococcus gnavus, Blautia  sp.  canine  oral taxon 143 , Anaerostipes caccae, Clostridium lactatifermentans, Coprobacillus cateniformis, Clostridium ramosum , cf.  Clostridium  sp. MLG055,  Clostridium innocuum, Eubacterium desmolans, Clostridium orbiscindens, Ruminococcus  sp. 16442 , Anaerotruncus colihominis, Bacteroides dorei, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum  subsp.  Pseudolongum , and  Bifidobacterium breve.    
     
     
         3 . A composition that induces proliferation and/or accumulation of Th17 cells, the composition comprising, as an active component bacteria that contain DNA comprising a nucleotide sequence that has at least 97% homology with a DNA sequence designated herein as SEQ ID Nos. 1-20; and DNA comprising a nucleotide sequence that has at least 97% homology with DNA of one or more of the following:  Clostridium symbiosum, Clostridium hathewayi, Clostridium citroniae, Clostridium bolteae, Ruminococcus  sp. M-1 , Ruminococcus gnavus, Blautia  sp.  canine  oral taxon 143 , Anaerostipes caccae, Clostridium lactatifermentans, Coprobacillus cateniformis, Clostridium ramosum , cf.  Clostridium  sp. MLG055,  Clostridium innocuum, Eubacterium desmolans, Clostridium orbiscindens, Ruminococcus  sp. 16442 , Anaerotruncus colihominis, Bacteroides dorei, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum  subsp.  Pseudolongum , and  Bifidobacterium breve.    
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The composition according to  claim 2 , wherein the Th17 cells are transcription factor RORgt-positive Th17 cells or IL-17-producing Th17 cells. 
     
     
         6 . The composition according to  claim 2 , wherein the composition promotes a protective immune response. 
     
     
         7 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a composition according to  claim 2  and a pharmaceutically acceptable component. 
     
     
         8 . A vaccine composition comprising an adjuvant composition according to  claim 2  and at least one antigen and a pharmaceutically acceptable component. 
     
     
         9 .- 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A method for treating, aiding in treating, reducing the severity of, or preventing a disease selected from an infectious disease and cancer in an individual, the method comprising administering the composition of  claim 2  to the individual. 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . (canceled)