Microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids mediate Candida albicans gastrointestinal colonization resistance - PubMed
3 hours ago
- #Gut microbiota
- #Short-chain fatty acids
- #Candida albicans
- The gut microbiota inhibits Candida albicans colonization in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing disseminated infections.
- Microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) directly inhibit C. albicans by inducing metabolic reprogramming, impairing hexose uptake, and causing intracellular acidification.
- SCFAs enhance colonization resistance only when the gut microbiome is intact, as they drive taxonomic shifts that augment resistance.
- A Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron mutant unable to produce SCFAs loses its ability to restrict C. albicans colonization.
- Prebiotic therapy that increases SCFAs in the gut enhances clearance of C. albicans.
- This research identifies a microbiota-metabolite mechanism for Candida resistance, suggesting ways to modulate fungal burden and prevent invasive disease.