Role of PBMC in DGBI and functional evaluation using an in-vitro gut–immune co-culture model

About the Project

Disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI), including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are characterized by chronic gastrointestinal symptoms without clear structural abnormalities. Increasing evidence suggests that immune dysregulation plays a key role in DGBI pathophysiology, particularly involving low-grade inflammation, altered cytokine production, and abnormal immune–epithelial interaction.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from DGBI patients have been reported to show altered immune signalling, including increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8. Among immune cells, macrophages are believed to be major contributors to gut inflammation, as they can release inflammatory mediators, proteases, histamine, and cytokines that disrupt intestinal barrier integrity.

macrophages are known to regulate inflammatory responses and epithelial homeostasis. However, most studies rely on tissue biopsy, which is invasive and difficult to obtain. PBMC-derived immune cells provide a minimally invasive alternative to investigate immune mechanisms in DGBI.

In addition, current treatments for DGBI are largely symptom-based, and there is limited understanding of which patients will respond to specific therapies. Therefore, developing an in-vitro immune–gut model using patient-derived immune cells may allow better understanding of disease mechanisms and provide a platform for testing therapeutic agents, including anti-inflammatory drugs, probiotics, postbiotics, and nutraceutical compounds.

This study aims to isolate macrophages from PBMC of DGBI patients, evaluate their ability to induce intestinal inflammation in epithelial cell models, and assess potential therapeutic interventions that can suppress immune-mediated gut inflammation.

Main Supervisor: Dr Lim Wei Meng, Monash University

Associate Supervisors: Dr Pang Kok Lun, Monash University