Human-derived bacteria that induce proliferation or accumulation of regulatory T cells
Species of human-derived bacteria belonging to the Clostridia class have been shown to induce accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the colon and suppress immune functions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these bacteria can be used to prevent and treat immune-mediated diseases such as autoimmune diseases.
1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a purified bacterial mixture consisting of bacteria comprising 16S rDNA sequences of at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:41, and SEQ ID NO:42.
2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 , wherein the bacteria are human-derived bacteria.
3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 , wherein the bacteria are isolated from a chloroform-treated fecal sample.
4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 , wherein the bacteria are isolated from a heat-treated fecal sample.
5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the bacteria are in spore-form.
6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 , further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for oral administration.