Autologous fecal microbiota transplantation impacts emphysema progression in an IL-17-independent manner

Abstract Background Recent studies have suggested that both gut microbiota and the interleukin (IL) family play crucial roles in the progression of emphysema via the gut-lung axis. Methods In the present study, we aimed to halt the progression of emphysema through the transplantation of gut microbiota earlier derived from healthy fecal samples. A murine model of emphysema was first established through intermittent exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Subsequently, autologous fecal microbiota transplantation (aFMT) and IL-17 antibody (IL-17Ab) administration were employed, either separately or synchronously, to intervene in disease progression. Results Pathological analyses demonstrated that both aFMT and IL-17Ab treatments significantly attenuated CSE-induced emphysema. Notably, aFMT alone significantly ameliorated body weight loss, regulated lung volume, and reduced the pathological features of emphysema, with the combined application of aFMT and IL-17Ab further enhancing these therapeutic effects. Conclusion IL-17Ab, aFMT, and their combination were all effective in treating emphysema, but the therapeutic effect of aFMT is not primarily mediated by a reduction in intrapulmonary IL-17 levels.