Prevention of TH17-Initiated Colitis by Aronia Berries

Aronia berries are rich in polyphenols and an important emerging crop in North America for health. Pre-clinical and clinical evidence suggest that dietary aronia berries can mitigate inflammation associated with chronic disease. Our central hypothesis for this project is that aronia berry consumption inhibits the initiation of intestinal inflammation by dampening proinflammatory Th17 cells through affecting Treg and cellular antioxidant function. To test this hypothesis we will pursue experiments to 1) identify the colonic T cell populations most affected by aronia consumption during initiation and early progression of colitis, 2) identify the mechanism and function of anti-inflammatory colonic interleukin-10 in the anti-colitic activity of aronia berry consumption, and 3) establish which lymphocyte antioxidants are modulated by aronia consumption and prevent intestinal inflammation. Experiments will utilize mouse models relevant to human development of chronic intestinal inflammation. Successful completion of this research will provide a comprehensive understanding of the anti-inflammatory potential of aronia consumption and provide information about their mechanism(s) of inhibiting the onset of intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, this work is expected to lead to new knowledge about how diets can affect the function of T cells. We expect these outcomes to guide future nutritional recommendations and targeted clinical interventions with the collective aim of maximizing the anti-inflammatory activity of aronia berries.