Host NLRP6 exacerbates graft-versus-host disease independent of microbial diversity

We examined the role of NLRP6 in multiple murine models of allo-BMT. NLRP6 deficient animals showed improved intestinal barrier function, increased in tissue repair associated proteins (Claudin 3, EphB3 and MUC2), and preserved Goblet and Paneth cells in GI tract after allo-BMT. The impact of host NLRP6 deficiency in mitigating GVHD was observed regardless of co-housing and antibiotic treatment of the NLRP6-/- animals, suggesting that the protection from GVHD is independent of intestinal microbial dysbiosis.