MyD88 Mediates Colitis- and RANKL-Induced Microfold Cell Differentiation

Intestinal microfold (M) cells are critical for sampling antigens in the gut and initiating the intestinal mucosal immune response. In this study, we found that the oral administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and Salmonella infection induced colitis. In the process, the expression levels of M cell differentiation-related genes were synchronized with the kinetics of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Compared to wild-type (WT) mice, MyD88−/− mice exhibited significantly lower expression levels of M cell differentiation-related genes. However, DSS induced colitis in MyD88−/− mice but failed to promote the transcription of M cell differentiation related genes. Furthermore, the receptor activator of the Nuclear Factor-κB ligand (RANKL) upregulated the transcription of M cell differentiation related genes in murine intestinal organoids prepared from both WT and MyD88−/− mice. Meanwhile, fewer changes in M cell differentiation related genes were found in MyD88−/− mice as compared to WT mice. Hence, we concluded that myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is an essential molecule for colitis- and RANKL-related differentiation of M cells.

M cells differentiate from leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 + (Lgr5 + ) stem cells [11]. In this process, both the receptor activator of the Nuclear Factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and transcription factor Spi-B are involved [11,12]. Moreover, RANKL can even induce differentiation of enterocytes into M cells [13]. Besides, intestinal microbiota influence M cell differentiation. For instance, 7-day feeding in a typical animal house environment increases the number of M cells in specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice. Both Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium type III and bacterial flagellin are capable of aising the number of M cells in the gut [14,15]. Additionally, the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) can stimulate expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) which subsequently Vet. Sci. 2022, 9, 6 2 of 12 upregulates differentiation of M cells [3]. NF-κB production is mainly induced by activation of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) or tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) [16,17]. Actually, the TRAF6-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway is involved in M cell development [18]. Therefore, we hypothesized that MyD88 may also participate in M cell differentiation.
In this study, we show that dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and Salmonella choleraesuis (S. choleraesuis) cause severe colitis in mice. The colitis induced up-regulation of M genes related to differentiation of M cells and this is attenuated when MyD88 is knocked out. Meanwhile, DSS-induced colitis promotes the expression of glycoprotein 2 (GP2), a specific marker of M cells, in the colon of wild-type (WT) mice but not in MyD88 −/− mice. Furthermore, RANKL upregulates expression of M cell-specific genes in intestinal organoids and this is partly dependent on MyD88. Therefore, we concluded that MyD88 is a key molecule for regulating the expression of M cell specific genes in colon.

Animals and Related Materials
MyD88 −/− (B6.129P2(SJL)-MyD88 tm1.1Defr /J, Stock No: 009088) mice were originally purchased from The Jackson Laboratory (Anthony L. DeFranco, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA). All mice used in this study were 6-8 weeks old and were bred in the SPF facility of Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute (LVRI). Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was purchased from HWRK Chemical Company. S. choleraesuis (Strain NO. CVCC79102) was purchased from the China Institute of Veterinary Drug Control. SPF WT C57BL/6 mice were purchased from the Experimental Animal Center of LVRI. All experimental procedures and animal care protocols were carried out by following Care and Use of Laboratory Animals of LVRI, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China.

Inflammatory Models
For the DSS-induced inflammatory model, DSS 3% (M.W 40000, YEASEN, Shanghai, China) was added to the drinking water which was provided ad libithum for seven days. DSS-free drinking water was used provided to mice in the control group. For the S. choleraesuis-induced inflammatory model, S. choleraesuis were collected by centrifugation and re-suspended in PBS buffer. The mice in the infected group were gavaged with 10 4 CFU of S. choleraesuis or with PBS as control. All mice were kept at room temperature under a constant 12-h light/dark cycle. Mice were weighed daily and sacrificed at day 8.

Histological Analysis
After euthanasia, mice colons were fixed in the FinePix tissue-fix solution (RightTech, Shanghai, China) for 24 h, dehydrated according to the standard protocol, and then embedded in paraffin. Then tissue blocks were sectioned and deparaffinized in xylene, stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). Finally, double-blinded histological analysis was performed to evaluate the colitis level as described [19].

Western Blot Analysis
Total proteins were prepared from tissue samples of the colon using RIPA lysis buffer (Beyotime, Shanghai, China) with protease inhibitor. A total of 20 µg of protein was loaded in each lane for SDS-PAGE, transferred, and immunoblotted overnight at 4 • C with a primary antibody against GP2 (1:1000, MBL, Nagoya, Japan) and GAPDH (1:5000, Proteintech Group, Rosemont, IL, USA), and Goat anti-Rat IgG (OriGene Technologies, Rockville, MD, USA). Next, the membrane was incubated with a 1:5000 dilution of anti-Rab IgG secondary rabbit antibody (OriGene Technologies, Beijing, China). Finally, the immunoblots were developed with chemiluminescence detection reagents (Advansta, San Jose, CA, USA) [20,21].

Murine Intestinal Organoids Culture
Mice were sacrificed and the small intestine was collected. After a first wash in PBS buffer, the intestines were cut into pieces and dissociated with 2 mM EDTA buffer in 15 mL centrifuge tubes for 20 min at 4 • C. The samples were centrifuged at 300× g for 5 min to remove the EDTA buffer, and repeatedly pipetted with 5 mL PBS buffer. Next, crypts were collected through a 70 µm strainer (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA). Single crypts were centrifuged at 300× g for 5 min, and cultured in a 24-well tissue culture plate (Corning, New York, NY, USA) with Matrigel Matrix (Corning, New York, NY, USA) and Murine Intestinal Organoids Growth Medium (STEMCELL Technologies, Vancouver, BC, Canada). For the RANKL stimulation assay, organoids were stimulated with 100 ng/mL recombinant human RANKL (CST, Fall River, MA, USA) for one day (PBS buffer was used as control). The RANKL and mock control reagents were added daily.

RNA Extraction and Quantitative Real-Time PCR
After the mice were sacrificed, their colon was washed by cold PBS then collected. Total RNA was extracted from the colon samples using RNAiso reagent (TaKaRa, Beijing, China) and used for cDNA preparation using Honor II 1st Strand cDNA Synthesis SuperMix (Novogene, Beijing, China) with hexamer random primers. To evaluate the inflammation responses and differentiation of M cells within mouse colon, the relative expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, GP2, Spi-B, RANK, TNF-α-induced protein 2 (Tnfaip2), and C-C motif ligand 9 (CCL9) were determined by RT-qPCR using ChamQ SYBR qPCR Master Mix (Vazyme, Nanjing, China). The primers used in this study are listed in Table 1.

Statistical Analysis
The data were presented as the means ± SEM. The significance between groups was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance or Student's t-test with GraphPad Prism 7 software and p values.

DSS Induces Colitis and M Cell Differentiation
To investigate the relationship between M cell differentiation in the colon and colitis, a model of DSS-induced colitis was used. After oral administration of DSS for 7 days, the DSS-treated mice lost weight compared to the control group ( Figure 1A). The weight of the spleen increased in DSS-treated mice, but weight and length of the colon were Vet. Sci. 2022, 9, 6 4 of 12 reduced ( Figure 1B). The mRNA levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the colon were quantified by RT-qPCR. DSS-treated mice had significantly higher mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 ( Figure 1C). Histological changes, including infiltration of inflammatory cells (green arrow) in the basal layer and crypt, edema (blue arrow) and reduced mucus (yellow arrow), were observed in the colon of DSS-treated mice ( Figure 1D). To assess the differentiation of M cells in the colon, mRNA levels of-genes related to M cell differentiation, including GP2, Spi-B, RANK, Tnfaip2, and CCL9, were measured by RT-qPCR. The results showed that the mRNA levels of GP2, Tnfaip2, and CCL9 from the colon of the DSS-treated group were significantly upregulated compared to the control ( Figure 1E). The immunoblotting results showed that DSS treatment promoted the expression of GP2 ( Figure 1F,G). These results indicated that oral administration with DSS successfully induced colitis, increased transcriptional level of genes related to M cell differentiation and GP2 expression. and control group (n = 3) were allowed to intake DSS-contained or normal water for 7 days freely. Their body weights were monitored daily (A). The mice were sacrificed on day 8, and their spleen weight, colon weight, and colon length were measured for assessing pathological changes caused by DSS treatment (B). Total RNA from colon samples was used to detect the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 by RT-qPCR (C). Partial colon samples were used for histological analysis to evaluate the colitis (D). Total RNA from colon samples was used to detect the mRNA levels of GP2, Spi-B, RANK, Tnfaip2, and CCL9 by RT-qPCR (E). The data were calculated using the 2 −∆∆Ct method. The GP2 expression levels in total protein from colon samples were evaluated by Western blot (F). Relative GP2 protein level was determined from the band intensity using ImageJ software (G). In all graphs, data are shown as 'mean ± SEM'. Results were designated with: NS, p > 0.05; * p < 0.05; *** p < 0.001.

S. choleraesuis Infection Induces Colitis and M Cell Differentiation
To further verify that colitis is related to differentiation of M cells in the colon, S. choleraesuis was administrated orally. Mice in the S. choleraesuis-treated group suffered weight loss compared to the mice in the control group (Figure 2A). Typical symptoms, such as increased spleen weight, and a reduction of colon weight and length, were observed in the S. choleraesuis-treated group ( Figure 2B). Concomitantly, bacterial colonization in the liver and spleen was also shown ( Figure 2C). The mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the colon were detected by RT-qPCR. The results illustrated that infection with the S. choleraesuis significantly upregulated the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the colon ( Figure 2D). Pathological changes, including infiltration of inflammatory cells (green arrow) in the basal layer and crypt, fibrinous exudation (red arrow) and reduced mucus (yellow arrow), indicated S. choleraesuis induced colitis ( Figure 2F).
To evaluate the differentiation of M cells, the mRNA levels of GP2, Spi-B, RANK, Tnfaip2, and CCL9 were measured by RT-qPCR. The result showed that the mRNA levels of GP2, Tnfaip2, and CCL9 in the colon from the S. choleraesuis-infected group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( Figure 2E). Western blot analysis confirmed that S. choleraesuis infection induced GP2 expression ( Figure 2G,H). Taken together, these data demonstrate that S. choleraesuis infection induces colitis. The colitis promotes the transcription of some genes related to M cell differentiation and the expression of GP2.
the colitis (D). Total RNA from colon samples was used to detect the mRNA levels of GP2, Spi-B, RANK, Tnfaip2, and CCL9 by RT-qPCR (E). The data were calculated using the 2 −∆∆Ct method. The GP2 expression levels in total protein from colon samples were evaluated by Western blot (F). Relative GP2 protein level was determined from the band intensity using ImageJ software (G). In all graphs, data are shown as 'mean ± SEM'. Results were designated with: NS, p > 0.05; * p < 0.05; *** p < 0.001.

S. choleraesuis Infection Induces Colitis and M Cell Differentiation
To further verify that colitis is related to differentiation of M cells in the colon, S. choleraesuis was administrated orally. Mice in the S. choleraesuis-treated group suffered weight loss compared to the mice in the control group (Figure 2A). Typical symptoms, such as increased spleen weight, and a reduction of colon weight and length, were observed in the S. choleraesuis-treated group ( Figure 2B). Concomitantly, bacterial colonization in the liver and spleen was also shown ( Figure 2C). The mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the colon were detected by RT-qPCR. The results illustrated that infection with the S. choleraesuis significantly upregulated the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the colon ( Figure 2D). Pathological changes, including infiltration of inflammatory cells (green arrow) in the basal layer and crypt, fibrinous exudation (red arrow) and reduced mucus (yellow arrow), indicated S. choleraesuis induced colitis ( Figure 2F).
To evaluate the differentiation of M cells, the mRNA levels of GP2, Spi-B, RANK, Tnfaip2, and CCL9 were measured by RT-qPCR. The result showed that the mRNA levels of GP2, Tnfaip2, and CCL9 in the colon from the S. choleraesuis-infected group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( Figure 2E). Western blot analysis confirmed that S. choleraesuis infection induced GP2 expression ( Figure 2G,H). Taken together, these data demonstrate that S. choleraesuis infection induces colitis. The colitis promotes the transcription of some genes related to M cell differentiation and the expression of GP2. . The bacterial loads in the liver, spleen were analy (C). Total RNA from colon samples was used to detect the mRNA level of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 by qPCR (D). Total RNA from colon samples was used to detect the mRNA levels of GP2, Spi-B, RA Tnfaip2, and CCL9 by RT-qPCR (E). The data were calculated using the 2 −∆∆Ct method. Tissue s ples from the colon were used for histological analysis for assessing colitis (F). The GP2 expres levels in total protein from colon samples were evaluated by Western-blot (G). Relative GP2 pro level was determined from the band intensity using ImageJ software (H). In all graphs, data shown as 'mean ± SEM'. Results were designated with: NS, p > 0.05; * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01.

MyD88 Is a Critical Factor for Colonic M Cell Differentiation
We speculated that MyD88 might play a role in the differentiation of M cells in murine colon. To test this hypothesis, we compared WT and MyD88 −/− mice. During day housing period in the same environment, the bodyweight of both MyD88 −/− and mice remained stable ( Figure 3A). On day 7, the weigt of the spleen was lower in MyD mice than in WT mice, but weight and length of the colon were not significantly diffe ( Figure 3B). Histological analysis of the colons did not reveal differences betw MyD88 −/− and WT mice ( Figure 3C). To investigate whether MyD88 −/− affects the diffe tiation of M cells in the colon, mRNA levels of genes related to M cell differentiation detected by RT-qPCR while the GP2 protein expression was measured by western-b The results showed that the MyD88 −/− mice had significantly lower mRNA levels of G and Spi-B, as well as GP2 protein levels compared to WT mice ( Figure 3D-F). These res indicated that the lack of MyD88 restrained the transcriptional level of genes related t cell differentiation in the colon and suggested that the MyD88 may play a critical rol regulating the differentiation of M cells in the colon. . The mice were sacrificed on day 8, and the spleen weight, colon weight, and colon length were evaluated to assess the pathological changes caused by S. choleraesuis infection (B). The bacterial loads in the liver, spleen were analyzed (C). Total RNA from colon samples was used to detect the mRNA level of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 by RT-qPCR (D). Total RNA from colon samples was used to detect the mRNA levels of GP2, Spi-B, RANK, Tnfaip2, and CCL9 by RT-qPCR (E). The data were calculated using the 2 −∆∆Ct method. Tissue samples from the colon were used for histological analysis for assessing colitis (F). The GP2 expression levels in total protein from colon samples were evaluated by Western-blot (G). Relative GP2 protein level was determined from the band intensity using ImageJ software (H). In all graphs, data are shown as 'mean ± SEM'. Results were designated with: NS, p > 0.05; * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01.

MyD88 Is a Critical Factor for Colonic M Cell Differentiation
We speculated that MyD88 might play a role in the differentiation of M cells in the murine colon. To test this hypothesis, we compared WT and MyD88 −/− mice. During a 7-day housing period in the same environment, the bodyweight of both MyD88 −/− and WT mice remained stable ( Figure 3A). On day 7, the weigt of the spleen was lower in MyD88 −/− mice than in WT mice, but weight and length of the colon were not significantly different ( Figure 3B). Histological analysis of the colons did not reveal differences between MyD88 −/− and WT mice ( Figure 3C). To investigate whether MyD88 −/− affects the differentiation of M cells in the colon, mRNA levels of genes related to M cell differentiation was detected by RT-qPCR while the GP2 protein expression was measured by western-blot. The results showed that the MyD88 −/− mice had significantly lower mRNA levels of GP2 and Spi-B, as well as GP2 protein levels compared to WT mice ( Figure 3D-F). These results indicated that the lack of MyD88 restrained the transcriptional level of genes related to M cell differentiation in the colon and suggested that the MyD88 may play a critical role in regulating the differentiation of M cells in the colon. . After sacrificing, their spleen weight, colon weight, and colon length were measured (B). Partial colon samples were fixed for histological analysis (C). Total RNA from colon samples was used to detect the mRNA levels of GP2 and Spi-B by RT-qPCR (D). The data were calculated using the 2 −∆∆Ct method. The GP2 expression levels in complete protein from colon samples were evaluated by Western-blot (E). Relative GP2 protein level was determined from the band intensity using ImageJ software (F). In all graphs, data are shown as 'mean ± SEM'. Results were designated with: NS, p > 0.05; * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.001.

MyD88 Is Involved in Colitis Induced M Cell Differentiation
To explore whether MyD88 participates in the colitis-induced differentiation of M cells, MyD88 −/− mice were given DSS orally for 7 days. Compared to the control group, weight loss was observed in the DSS-treated mice ( Figure 4A). Moreover, the DSS treatment group was associated with more severe clinical symptoms, characterized by increased weight of the spleen, decreased weight of the colon weight, and colon length ( Figure 4B). Pathological changes, including inflammation of inflammatory cells (green arrow), exfoliation of epithelial cells (black arrow), crypt branching (blue arrow), decreased mucus (yellow arrow) (Figure 4D), and the higher mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the colon of the DSS-treated group ( Figure 4C) were observed, indicating that DSS still induced colitis in MyD88 −/− mice. This also suggested that myD88 is not the only key to induction of inflammation. However, during this severe inflammatory response, expression of markers related to M cell differentiation decreased (GP2, Spi-B and Rank) or remained unchanged ( Figure 4E). These results indicate that MyD88 was required in the colitis-induced up-regulation of genes related to M cell differentiation. were allowed to intake DSS-contained or normal water for 7 days freely. The body weight of mice was monitored daily (A). The mice were sacrificed on day 8, and their spleen weight, colon weight, and colon length were measured to assess the pathological changes caused by DSS treatment (B). Total RNA from colon samples was used to detect the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 by RT-qPCR (C). Tissue samples from the colon were used for histological analysis to evaluate their colitis (D). Total RNA from colon samples was used to detect the mRNA levels of GP2, Spi-B, RANK, Tnfaip2, and CCL9 by RT-qPCR (E). The data were calculated using the 2 −∆∆Ct method. In all graphs, data are shown as 'mean ± SEM'. Results were designated with: NS, p > 0.05; * p < 0.05; *** p < 0.001.

MyD88 Is Involved in RANKL-Induced M Cell Differentiation
We hypothesize that MyD88 was also involved in RANKL-induced differentiation of M cells. To test this hypothesis, murine intestinal organoids were prepared for further study ( Figure 5A). Expression of key M cell markers was evaluated by RT-qPCR in the organoids generated from WT and MyD88 −/− mice. The results showed that markers associated with M cell differentiation were down-regulated in MyD88 −/− mice ( Figure 5B). This result supported that MyD88 was indispensable for differentiation of M cells in our previous results. Next, intestinal organoids from WT mice and MyD88 −/− mice were treated with RANKL 24 h before analysis. The results illustrated that RANKL is able to upregulate transcription of genes related to M cell differentiation in both WT mice and MyD88 −/− mice ( Figure 5C), characterized as increased expression levels of GP2, Spi-B, RANK, Tnfaip2, and CCL9. However, the expression levels of M cell markers in MyD88 −/− mice were much lower than that in WT mice ( Figure 5C). Taken together, these results indicate that MyD88 is also involved in M cell differentiation induced by RANKL. . The fold change of these markers was compared after RANKL-treatment between WT and MyD88 −/− group (C). The data were calculated using the 2 −∆∆Ct method. In all graphs, data are shown as 'mean ± SEM'. Results were designated with: * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.001.

Discussion
M cells are a potential route for promoting drug and oral vaccine delivery. M celldependent antigen transport was reported to have an essential function in alleviating colitis [22]. However, the knowledge about differentiation of M cells in the colon is limited. Research on the differentiation of M cells in the colon will help to better understand the role of M cells in maintaining intestinal homeostasis.
After a literature review, GP2 was used as marker for mature M cells [23]. The transcriptional level of GP2 is upregulated upon 2days of stimulation with RANKL [24]. Our study further proved that RANKL indeed induces differentiation of M cells in both WT and MyD88 −/− mice organoids, even though organoids of MyD88 −/− mice show lower expression levels of genes related to M cell differentiation compared to organoids from WT mice. Besides, intestinal microbiota could also regulate the differentiation of M cells [14]. As reported, S. typhimurium induces the differentiation of FAE enterocytes into M cells based on a type III effector protein SopB-dependent pathway [25]. In our study, we found that S. choleraesuis-induced colitis promoted differentiation of M cells. DSS-induced colitis also promoted the transcription of M cell specific genes. Therefore, we speculated that the . The fold change of these markers was compared after RANKL-treatment between WT and MyD88 −/− group (C). The data were calculated using the 2 −∆∆Ct method. In all graphs, data are shown as 'mean ± SEM'. Results were designated with: * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.001.

Discussion
M cells are a potential route for promoting drug and oral vaccine delivery. M celldependent antigen transport was reported to have an essential function in alleviating colitis [22]. However, the knowledge about differentiation of M cells in the colon is limited. Research on the differentiation of M cells in the colon will help to better understand the role of M cells in maintaining intestinal homeostasis.
After a literature review, GP2 was used as marker for mature M cells [23]. The transcriptional level of GP2 is upregulated upon 2days of stimulation with RANKL [24]. Our study further proved that RANKL indeed induces differentiation of M cells in both WT and MyD88 −/− mice organoids, even though organoids of MyD88 −/− mice show lower expression levels of genes related to M cell differentiation compared to organoids from WT mice. Besides, intestinal microbiota could also regulate the differentiation of M cells [14]. As reported, S. typhimurium induces the differentiation of FAE enterocytes into M cells based on a type III effector protein SopB-dependent pathway [25]. In our study, we found that S. choleraesuis-induced colitis promoted differentiation of M cells. DSS-induced colitis also promoted the transcription of M cell specific genes. Therefore, we speculated that the upregulation of genes related to M cell differentiation r might be related to colitis. Moreover, we found that MyD88 plays a crucial role in both colitis-and RANKL-induced differentiation of M cells.
MyD88 is an essential adaptor molecule in the toll-like receptor signaling pathway, which is related to bacterial receptors [26] and homeostasis of intestinal microorganisms [27]. In the intestine, MyD88 also participates in regulating gut microbial ecology and maintaining homeostasis [28,29]. Here, we found that the differentiation of M cells is attenuated in both MyD88 −/− intestinal organoids and in the colon of MyD88 −/− mice as compared to the WT controls. These data suggested a potential crosstalk between MyD88-mediated signaling and differentiation of M cells. MyD88 has been proven to play a crucial role in regulating RANKL transcription induced by LPS and IL-1α [30]. In bone marrow stromal cells, MyD88 is also required for the up-regulation of RANKL transcription and down-regulation of osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA [31], further mediating differentiation of M cells in FAE [32]. These studies imply a relationship between the MyD88 mediated pathway and RANKL signaling. Hence, deletion of MyD88 may promote the transcription of OPG and potentially inhibit differentiation of M cells.
The differentiation of M cells may be regulated by a complicated signaling pathway related to the immune response and gut microbiota. Here, we highlight the crosstalk between the inflammatory response and M cell differentiation and demonstrate that MyD88 was required for colitis-and RANKL-induced up-regulation of genes related to M cell differentiation. Unfortunately, we were not able to perform a quantitative analysis regarding the differentiation of M cells from the colon by performing immunostaining for GP2 in tissue. Meanwhile, we found a low number of GP2+ M cells upon immunostaining of mice colons. Therefore, although colitis and RANKL induce the transcriptional level of the genes related to M cell differentiation, the detailed mechanism regulating differentiation of M cells isolated from the colon still needs further study.

Conclusions
The study showed that the transcription of genes related to differentiation of M cells from the colon was promoted in colitis induced by DSS and S. choleraesuis. Moreover, in MyD88 −/− mice, DSS induced colitis but failed to upregulate mRNA levels of M cell specific genes in the colon. In contrast with the WT group, the significantly lower transcriptional level of M cell specific genes was detected in MyD88 −/− intestinal organoids and in colon of MyD88 −/− mice. At the same time, the deletion of MyD88 also attenuated RANKL stimulated upregulation of M cell specific genes in intestinal organoids. These data suggested a potential regulatory function of MyD88 in differentiation of M cells from the colon. To demonstrate a link between inflammation and M cell differentiation, further experiments will include blocking the TNF-α, IL-6 or IL-1β signaling, and evaluating its impact on differentiation of M cells.