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One in, one out: Commensal fungus protects against infection
1Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham , Birmingham, UK.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|March 18, 2024
Abstract:
Gut-resident fungi have a broad influence over health and disease. In this issue of JEM, Sekeresova Kralova et al. (https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20231686) identify a commensal yeast that displaced fungal pathogen Candida albicans and protected against subsequent invasive infections that originate from the gut.
Insights
A newly identified gut yeast prevents fungal pathogen Candida albicans from causing invasive infections. This commensal fungus offers protection against gut-originating infections, highlighting its role in maintaining gut health.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Microbiome research
Background:
- Gut-resident fungi significantly impact host health and disease states.
- Fungal dysbiosis can lead to opportunistic infections, particularly by pathogens like Candida albicans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify commensal fungi within the gut microbiome.
- To investigate the protective role of identified commensal yeasts against pathogenic fungal infections originating from the gut.
Main Methods:
- Utilized advanced sequencing techniques to characterize the gut fungal microbiome.
- Conducted in vivo experiments to assess the competitive exclusion and protective effects of a specific commensal yeast against Candida albicans infection.
Main Results:
- Identified a novel commensal yeast species residing in the gut.
- Demonstrated that this commensal yeast effectively displaces the fungal pathogen Candida albicans.
- Showcased the protective capability of the commensal yeast against subsequent invasive infections initiated from the gut.
Conclusions:
- Commensal gut fungi play a crucial role in preventing pathogen colonization and subsequent infections.
- The identified yeast represents a potential therapeutic target for managing gut fungal dysbiosis and candidiasis.
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