Neu3 neuraminidase induction triggers intestinal inflammation and colitis in a model of recurrent human food-poisoning

Significance The environmental triggers of human colitis are unknown, while current treatments have limited efficacy. To find better therapies, various animal models of colitis have been investigated including studies of inborn genetic defects and chemical toxin ingestion. However, such models do not appear to identify common triggers of disease among human populations. We recently developed a recurrent food-poisoning model of colitis involving the Salmonella bacterial pathogen, a major source of human foodborne illness, and discovered that repeated infections over the adult lifespan cause a progressive intestinal inflammation that leads to a severe and enduring colitis. We have identified the Neu3 neuraminidase as essential in disease onset and provide rationale for the development of Neu3 inhibitors to prevent and treat colitis.