| Title | Mucosal fungi promote gut barrier function and social behavior via Type 17 immunity. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2022 |
| Authors | Leonardi I, Gao IH, Lin W-Y, Allen M, Li XV, Fiers WD, De Celie MBialt, Putzel GG, Yantiss RK, Johncilla M, Colak D, Iliev ID |
| Journal | Cell |
| Date Published | 2022 Feb 16 |
| ISSN | 1097-4172 |
| Abstract | Fungal communities (the mycobiota) are an integral part of the gut microbiota, and the disruption of their integrity contributes to local and gut-distal pathologies. Yet, the mechanisms by which intestinal fungi promote homeostasis remain unclear. We characterized the mycobiota biogeography along the gastrointestinal tract and identified a subset of fungi associated with the intestinal mucosa of mice and humans. Mucosa-associated fungi (MAF) reinforced intestinal epithelial function and protected mice against intestinal injury and bacterial infection. Notably, intestinal colonization with a defined consortium of MAF promoted social behavior in mice. The gut-local effects on barrier function were dependent on IL-22 production by CD4+ T helper cells, whereas the effects on social behavior were mediated through IL-17R-dependent signaling in neurons. Thus, the spatial organization of the gut mycobiota is associated with host-protective immunity and epithelial barrier function and might be a driver of the neuroimmune modulation of mouse behavior through complementary Type 17 immune mechanisms. |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.cell.2022.01.017 |
| Alternate Journal | Cell |
| PubMed ID | 35176228 |
