How Gut Bacterial Dysbiosis Can Promote Candida albicans Overgrowth during Colonic Inflammation

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Candida albicans is a common gut yeast that can overgrow due to factors like immunosuppression and antibiotics.
• C. albicans translocation across the gut barrier can lead to invasive fungal infections.
• The yeast cell wall components (mannoproteins, beta-glucans, chitin) activate host immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of C. albicans in colonic inflammation.
• To highlight the involvement of immune receptors, specifically mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and Toll-like receptors (TLRs), in C. albicans sensing and intestinal homeostasis.
• To examine gut microbiota dysbiosis and the impact of fungal glycans on host immune response during colitis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on C. albicans, colonic inflammation, and immune responses.
• Discussion of host immune receptors (MBL, TLRs) involved in sensing C. albicans.
• Analysis of a dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis murine model to study gut microbiota and fungal glycan effects.

Main Results:

• Gut microbiota dysbiosis is observed during colonic inflammation.
• Fungal glycan fractions (beta-glucans, chitin) can modify the gut microbiota composition.
• These glycans modulate the host's immuno-inflammatory response.

Conclusions:

• C. albicans plays a significant role in colonic inflammation.
• Immune receptors like MBL and TLRs are crucial for intestinal homeostasis and C. albicans detection.
• Fungal glycans influence gut microbiota and host immune responses, offering potential therapeutic targets.