Fungal Trans-kingdom Dynamics Linked to Responsiveness to Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis.

TitleFungal Trans-kingdom Dynamics Linked to Responsiveness to Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsLeonardi I, Paramsothy S, Doron I, Semon A, Kaakoush NO, Clemente JC, Faith JJ, Borody TJ, Mitchell HM, Colombel J-F, Kamm MA, Iliev ID
JournalCell Host Microbe
Date Published2020 Apr 09
ISSN1934-6069
Abstract

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) targeting gut microbiota has recently been successfully applied to ulcerative colitis. However, only a subset of patients responds to FMT, and there is a pressing need for biomarkers of responsiveness. Fungi (the mycobiota) represent a highly immunologically reactive component of the gut microbiota. We analyzed samples from a large randomized controlled trial of FMT for ulcerative colitis (UC). High Candida abundance pre-FMT was associated with a clinical response, whereas decreased Candida abundance post-FMT was indicative of ameliorated disease severity. High pre-FMT Candida was associated with increased bacterial diversity post-FMT, and the presence of genera was linked to FMT responsiveness. Although we detected elevated anti-Candida antibodies in placebo recipients, this increase was abrogated in FMT recipients. Our data suggest that FMT might reduce Candida to contain pro-inflammatory immunity during intestinal disease and highlight the utility of mycobiota-focused approaches to identify FMT responders prior to therapy initiation.

DOI10.1016/j.chom.2020.03.006
Alternate JournalCell Host Microbe
PubMed ID32298656