1
|
Shen HT, Fang YT, Tsai WH, Chou CH, Huang MS, Yeh YT, Wu JT, Huang CH, Wang BY, Chang WW. A Lactobacillus Combination Ameliorates Lung Inflammation in an Elastase/LPS-induced Mouse Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024:10.1007/s12602-024-10300-9. [PMID: 38865030 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-024-10300-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the world's leading lung disease and lacks effective and specific clinical strategies. Probiotics are increasingly used to support the improvement of the course of inflammatory diseases. In this study, we evaluated the potential of a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) combination containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri GMNL-89 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GMNL-133 to decrease lung inflammation and emphysema in a COPD mouse model. This model was induced by intranasal stimulation with elastase and LPS for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of oral LAB administration. The results showed that the LAB combination decreased lung emphysema and reduced inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) in the lung tissue of COPD mice. Microbiome analysis revealed that Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia muciniphila, reduced in the gut of COPD mice, could be restored after LAB treatment. Microbial α-diversity in the lungs decreased in COPD mice but was reversed after LAB administration, which also increased the relative abundance of Candidatus arthromitus in the gut and decreased Burkholderia in the lungs. Furthermore, LAB-treated COPD mice exhibited increased levels of short-chain fatty acids, specifically acetic acid and propionic acid, in the cecum. Additionally, pulmonary emphysema and inflammation negatively correlated with C. arthromitus and Adlercreutzia levels. In conclusion, the combination of L. reuteri GMNL-89 and L. paracasei GMNL-133 demonstrates beneficial effects on pulmonary emphysema and inflammation in experimental COPD mice, correlating with changes in gut and lung microbiota, and providing a potential strategy for future adjuvant therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Ting Shen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, No. 88, Sec. 1, Fengxing Rd., Tanzi Dist., Taichung City, 427003, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Fang
- Research and Development Department, GenMont Biotech Incorporation, No.8, Nanke 7th Rd., Shanhua Dist., Tainan City, 741014, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Hua Tsai
- Research and Development Department, GenMont Biotech Incorporation, No.8, Nanke 7th Rd., Shanhua Dist., Tainan City, 741014, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsuan Chou
- Research and Development Department, GenMont Biotech Incorporation, No.8, Nanke 7th Rd., Shanhua Dist., Tainan City, 741014, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Shyan Huang
- Division of Respiratory and Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Cancer Hospital, No. 1, Yida Rd, Yanchao Dist, Kaohsiung City, 824005, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Tsung Yeh
- Aging and Disease Prevention Research Center, Fooyin University, No. 151, Jinxue Rd., Daliao Dist., Kaohsiung City, 831301, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Ting Wu
- Division of Respiratory and Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Cancer Hospital, No. 1, Yida Rd, Yanchao Dist, Kaohsiung City, 824005, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsieh Huang
- Aging and Disease Prevention Research Center, Fooyin University, No. 151, Jinxue Rd., Daliao Dist., Kaohsiung City, 831301, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Yen Wang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, No. 135, Nanhsiao Street, Changhua County, 500209, Taiwan.
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, No. 145, Xingda Rd., South Dist., Taichung City, 402202, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Wei Chang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, No.110, Sec.1, Jianguo N.Rd, Taichung City, 402306, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, No.110, Sec.1, Jianguo N.Rd, Taichung City, 402306, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou P, Zou Z, Wu W, Zhang H, Wang S, Tu X, Huang W, Chen C, Zhu S, Weng Q, Zheng S. The gut-lung axis in critical illness: microbiome composition as a predictor of mortality at day 28 in mechanically ventilated patients. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:399. [PMID: 38110878 PMCID: PMC10726596 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03078-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbial communities are of critical importance in the human host. The lung and gut microbial communities represent the most essential microbiota within the human body, collectively referred to as the gut-lung axis. However, the differentiation between these communities and their influence on clinical outcomes in critically ill patients remains uncertain. METHODS An observational cohort study was obtained in the intensive care unit (ICU) of an affiliated university hospital. Sequential samples were procured from two distinct anatomical sites, namely the respiratory and intestinal tracts, at two precisely defined time intervals: within 48 h and on day 7 following intubation. Subsequently, these samples underwent a comprehensive analysis to characterize microbial communities using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and to quantify concentrations of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The primary predictors in this investigation included lung and gut microbial diversity, along with indicator species. The primary outcome of interest was the survival status at 28 days following mechanical ventilation. RESULTS Sixty-two mechanically ventilated critically ill patients were included in this study. Compared to the survivors, the diversity of microorganisms was significantly lower in the deceased, with a significant contribution from the gut-originated fraction of lung microorganisms. Lower concentrations of fecal SCFAs were detected in the deceased. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that not only lung microbial diversity but also the abundance of Enterococcaceae from the gut were correlated with day 28 mortality. CONCLUSION Critically ill patients exhibited lung and gut microbial dysbiosis after mechanical ventilation, as evidenced by a significant decrease in lung microbial diversity and the proliferation of Enterococcaceae in the gut. Levels of fecal SCFAs in the deceased served as a marker of imbalance between commensal and pathogenic flora in the gut. These findings emphasize the clinical significance of microbial profiling in predicting the prognosis of ICU patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piaopiao Zhou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wenwei Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuling Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Tu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Weibin Huang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Cunrong Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuaijun Zhu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qinyong Weng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Shixiang Zheng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Woodring T, Deepe GS, Levitz SM, Wuethrich M, Klein BS. They shall not grow mold: Soldiers of innate and adaptive immunity to fungi. Semin Immunol 2023; 65:101673. [PMID: 36459927 PMCID: PMC10311222 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are ubiquitous commensals, seasoned predators, and important agents of emerging infectious diseases [1 ]. The immune system assumes the essential responsibility for responding intelligently to the presence of known and novel fungi to maintain host health. In this Review, we describe the immune responses to pathogenic fungi and the varied array of fungal agents confronting the vertebrate host within the broader context of fungal and animal evolution. We provide an overview of the mechanistic details of innate and adaptive antifungal immune responses, as well as ways in which these basic mechanisms support the development of vaccines and immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Therese Woodring
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA
| | - George S Deepe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Stuart M Levitz
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marcel Wuethrich
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA
| | - Bruce S Klein
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA; Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA; Departments of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Neobaicalein Inhibits Th17 Cell Differentiation Resulting in Recovery of Th17/Treg Ratio through Blocking STAT3 Signaling Activation. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 28:molecules28010018. [PMID: 36615213 PMCID: PMC9822447 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Huangqin is the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, which has been widely utilized for heat-clearing (Qingre) and dewetting (Zaoshi), heat-killed (Xiehuo) and detoxifying (Jiedu) in the concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is used for treating inflammation and cancer in clinical formulas. Neobaicalein (NEO) is of flavonoid isolated from Huangqin and has been reported to possess prominent anti-inflammatory effects in published work. Th17/Treg balance shift to Th17 cells is an essential reason for autoimmune inflammatory diseases. However, the role NEO plays in Th17 and Treg and the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated yet. Network pharmacology-based study revealed that NEO predominantly regulated IL-17 signaling pathway. Moreover, our result shown that NEO (3-30 μmol/L) down-regulated Th17 differentiation and cellular supernatant and intracellular IL-17A level and tumor necrosis factor α production in a concentration-dependent manner. The further mechanism research revealed that NEO also specifically inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3(Tyr725) and STAT4 (Y693) without influence on activation of STAT5 and STAT6 in splenocytes. Immunofluorescence results illuminated that NEO effectively blocked STAT3 translocated into nucleus. Interestingly, NEO at appreciated dose could only inhibit Th17 cell differentiation and have no effect on Treg differentiation. The present study revealed that NEO effectively inhibited Th17 cell differentiation through specifically blocking the activation of STAT3 signaling without inactivation of STAT5 and STAT6. Additional inhibitory effect on activation of STAT4 by NEO also suggested the potential for antagonism against Th1 differentiation. All work suggested that NEO may be a potential candidate for immunoregulation and treating autoimmune inflammatory diseases through inhibiting immune cell viability and T cell differentiation.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wurster S, Watowich SS, Kontoyiannis DP. Checkpoint inhibitors as immunotherapy for fungal infections: Promises, challenges, and unanswered questions. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1018202. [PMID: 36389687 PMCID: PMC9640966 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1018202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic fungal infections have high mortality in patients with severe immune dysfunction. Growing evidence suggests that the immune environment of invasive fungal infections and cancers share common features of immune cell exhaustion through activation of immune checkpoint pathways. This observation gave rise to several preclinical studies and clinical case reports describing blockade of the Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 and Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 immune checkpoint pathways as an adjunct immune enhancement strategy to treat opportunistic fungal infections. The first part of this review summarizes the emerging evidence for contributions of checkpoint pathways to the immunopathology of fungal sepsis, opportunistic mold infections, and dimorphic fungal infections. We then review the potential merits of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as an antifungal immunotherapy, including the incomplete knowledge of the mechanisms involved in both immuno-protective effects and toxicities. In the second part of this review, we discuss the limitations of the current evidence and the many unknowns about ICIs as an antifungal immune enhancement strategy. Based on these gaps of knowledge and lessons learned from cancer immunology studies, we outline a research agenda to determine a "sweet spot" for ICIs in medical mycology. We specifically discuss the importance of more nuanced animal models, the need to study ICI-based combination therapy, potential ICI resistance, the role of the immune microenvironment, and the impact of ICIs given as part of oncological therapies on the natural immunity to various pathogenic fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Wurster
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Stephanie S. Watowich
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yang Y, Cao S, Xu W, Zang C, Zhang F, Xie Y, Wu C. Dual modulation of gut bacteria and fungi manifests the gut-based anti-hyperlipidemic effect of Coptidis Rhizoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113542. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
|
7
|
Reinold J, Farahpour F, Schoerding AK, Fehring C, Dolff S, Konik M, Korth J, van Baal L, Buer J, Witzke O, Westendorf AM, Kehrmann J. The Fungal Gut Microbiome Exhibits Reduced Diversity and Increased Relative Abundance of Ascomycota in Severe COVID-19 Illness and Distinct Interconnected Communities in SARS-CoV-2 Positive Patients. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:848650. [PMID: 35521219 PMCID: PMC9062042 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.848650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and experimental studies indicate that the bacterial and fungal gut microbiota modulates immune responses in distant organs including the lungs. Immune dysregulation is associated with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, and several groups have observed gut bacterial dysbiosis in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, while the fungal gut microbiota remains poorly defined in these patients. We analyzed the fungal gut microbiome from rectal swabs taken prior to anti-infective treatment in 30 SARS-CoV-2 positive (21 non-severe COVID-19 and 9 developing severe/critical COVID-19 patients) and 23 SARS-CoV-2 negative patients by ITS2-sequencing. Pronounced but distinct interconnected fungal communities distinguished SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative patients. Fungal gut microbiota in severe/critical COVID-19 illness was characterized by a reduced diversity, richness and evenness and by an increase of the relative abundance of the Ascomycota phylum compared with non-severe COVID-19 illness. A dominance of a single fungal species with a relative abundance of >75% was a frequent feature in severe/critical COVID-19. The dominating fungal species were highly variable between patients even within the groups. Several fungal taxa were depleted in patients with severe/critical COVID-19.The distinct compositional changes of the fungal gut microbiome in SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially in severe COVID-19 illness, illuminate the necessity of a broader approach to investigate whether the differences in the fungal gut microbiome are consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection or a predisposing factor for critical illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Reinold
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Farnoush Farahpour
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biophysics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Schoerding
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christian Fehring
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dolff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Margarethe Konik
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Korth
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lukas van Baal
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Buer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Oliver Witzke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Astrid M. Westendorf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Kehrmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The role of A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase (ADAM)-10 in T helper cell biology. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119192. [PMID: 34982961 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinases (ADAM)-10 is a member of a family of membrane-anchored proteinases that regulate a broad range of cellular functions with central roles within the immune system. This has spurred the interest to modulate ADAM activity therapeutically in immunological diseases. CD4 T helper (Th) cells are the key regulators of adaptive immune responses. Their development and function is strongly dependent on Notch, a key ADAM-10 substrate. However, Th cells rely on a variety of additional ADAM-10 substrates regulating their functional activity at multiple levels. The complexity of both, the ADAM substrate expression as well as the functional consequences of ADAM-mediated cleavage of the various substrates complicates the analysis of cell type specific effects. Here we provide an overview on the major ADAM-10 substrates relevant for CD4 T cell biology and discuss the potential effects of ADAM-mediated cleavage exemplified for a selection of important substrates.
Collapse
|
9
|
Jiang L, Stärkel P, Fan JG, Fouts DE, Bacher P, Schnabl B. The gut mycobiome: a novel player in chronic liver diseases. J Gastroenterol 2021; 56:1-11. [PMID: 33151407 PMCID: PMC7819863 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-020-01740-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The human gut microbiome (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea) is a complex and diverse ecosystem. It plays an important role in human health, but is involved in several intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. Most research to date has focused on the role of bacteria, while studies focusing on fungi (also referred to as "mycobiome" or "fungome") are still in its infancy. In this review, we focus on the existing literature available about the gut mycobiome with an emphasis on compositional mycobiome changes associated with liver diseases, the impact on pathogenesis of disease, and its potential use as therapeutic targets. We also provide insights into current methodologies of studying mycobiome, and we highlight the interkingdom interactions in the context of disease and how they affect health of the host. Herein, by focusing on the gut mycobiome, this review provides novel insights and directions for liver research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Jiang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, MC0063, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA ,Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Peter Stärkel
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jian-Gao Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Petra Bacher
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel and UKSH Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany ,Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, MC0063, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA ,Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Scheffold A, Bacher P, LeibundGut-Landmann S. T cell immunity to commensal fungi. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 58:116-123. [PMID: 33120172 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fungi are an important part of the microbiota in healthy barrier tissues. Fungal dysbiosis in turn is associated with local and distal inflammatory diseases. Recent advances have shed light on the antigen-specific IL-17-dependent mechanisms that regulate fungal commensalism and prevent fungal overgrowth during homeostasis. Progress in our understanding of species-specific differences in fungus-host interactions provides new hypotheses of why Candida albicans-targeting T cells exceed those directed against other fungal species in the human T cell repertoire. Importantly, C. albicans-specific Th17 cells can also contribute to immune pathology in distant organs such as the lung via cross-reaction with heterologous antigens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Scheffold
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts Universität zu Kiel and Universitätsklinik Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Petra Bacher
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts Universität zu Kiel and Universitätsklinik Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany; Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Salomé LeibundGut-Landmann
- Section of Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Switzerland; Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|