Immunological Consequences of Intestinal Fungal Dysbiosis.

TitleImmunological Consequences of Intestinal Fungal Dysbiosis.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsWheeler, ML, Limon, JJ, Bar, AS, Leal, CA, Gargus, M, Tang, J, Brown, J, Funari, VA, Wang, HL, Crother, TR, Arditi, M, Underhill, DM, Iliev, ID
JournalCell Host Microbe
Volume19
Issue6
Pagination865-73
Date Published2016 Jun 08
ISSN1934-6069
Abstract

Compared to bacteria, the role of fungi within the intestinal microbiota is poorly understood. In this study we investigated whether the presence of a "healthy" fungal community in the gut is important for modulating immune function. Prolonged oral treatment of mice with antifungal drugs resulted in increased disease severity in acute and chronic models of colitis, and also exacerbated the development of allergic airway disease. Microbiota profiling revealed restructuring of fungal and bacterial communities. Specifically, representation of Candida spp. was reduced, while Aspergillus, Wallemia, and Epicoccum spp. were increased. Oral supplementation with a mixture of three fungi found to expand during antifungal treatment (Aspergillus amstelodami, Epicoccum nigrum, and Wallemia sebi) was sufficient to recapitulate the exacerbating effects of antifungal drugs on allergic airway disease. Taken together, these results indicate that disruption of commensal fungal populations can influence local and peripheral immune responses and enhance relevant disease states.

DOI10.1016/j.chom.2016.05.003
Alternate JournalCell Host Microbe
PubMed ID27237365
PubMed Central IDPMC4900921
Grant ListR00 DK098310 / DK / NIDDK NIH HHS / United States
P30 DK063491 / DK / NIDDK NIH HHS / United States
F32 AI118360 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States
K99 DK098310 / DK / NIDDK NIH HHS / United States
R01 DK093426 / DK / NIDDK NIH HHS / United States