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Updated: Sep 24, 2025
Stability and Structure of Bat Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I with Heterologous β2-Microglobulin
Published on: March 10, 2021
Interaction between MHC diversity and constitution, gut microbiota and Astrovirus infections in a neotropical bat
Ramona Fleischer1, Dominik W Schmid1, Wasimuddin2
1Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
Abstract:
Astroviruses (AstVs) infect numerous mammalian species including reservoirs such as bats. Peptides encoded by the genes of the highly polymorphic Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) form the first line of host defence against pathogens. Aside from direct involvement in mounting adaptive immune responses, MHC class II genes are hypothesized to regulate gut commensal diversity and shape the production of immune-modulatory substances by microbes, indirectly affecting host susceptibility. Despite initial empirical evidence for the link between host MHC and the microbiota, associations among these factors remain largely unknown. To fill this gap, we examined MHC allelic diversity and constitution, the gut bacterial community and abundance pattern of a wild population of a neotropical bat (Artibeus jamaicensis) challenged by AstV infections. First, we show an age-dependent relationship between the host MHC class II diversity and constitution and the gut microbiota in AstV-uninfected bats. Crucially, these associations changed in AstV-infected bats. Additionally, we identify changes in the abundance of specific bacterial taxa linked to the presence of certain MHC supertypes and AstV infection. We suggest changes in the microbiota to be either a result of AstV infection or the MHC-mediated modulation of microbial communities. The latter could subsequently affect microbe-mediated immunity and resistance against AstV infection. Our results emphasize that the reciprocal nature of host immune genetics, gut microbial diversity and pathogen infection require attention, which are particularly important given their repercussions for disease susceptibility and severity in wild animal populations with a history of zoonotic spillover and frequent human contact.
Insights
Host Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genetics and gut bacteria interactions influence susceptibility to Astrovirus (AstV) infections in bats. These associations shift during infection, impacting immune responses and disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Microbiome Research
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
Background:
- Astroviruses (AstVs) infect various mammals, including bats, posing potential zoonotic risks.
- The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) plays a crucial role in host defense and is hypothesized to influence gut microbiota composition.
- The interplay between host MHC, gut microbiome, and pathogen infection remains underexplored in wild populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between MHC allelic diversity, gut bacterial community structure, and AstV infection in a wild neotropical bat population (Artibeus jamaicensis).
- To determine how AstV infection alters the associations between host MHC and the gut microbiota.
- To identify specific bacterial taxa and MHC supertypes associated with AstV infection.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of MHC class II allelic diversity and constitution in Artibeus jamaicensis.
- Characterization of the gut bacterial community using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Correlation analysis to link MHC variation, microbial composition, and AstV infection status.
Main Results:
- An age-dependent association between MHC class II diversity and gut microbiota was observed in AstV-uninfected bats.
- These host-microbiota associations significantly changed in AstV-infected bats.
- Specific bacterial taxa abundances were linked to particular MHC supertypes and AstV infection, suggesting modulation by host genetics or the virus.
Conclusions:
- MHC genetics and gut microbiota composition are interconnected and dynamically influenced by AstV infection in bats.
- Changes in the gut microbiota may result from AstV infection or MHC-mediated modulation, potentially affecting microbe-mediated immunity.
- Understanding these complex interactions is vital for assessing disease susceptibility and severity in wildlife, especially concerning zoonotic disease spillover.
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