Bile Acid Regulates Mononuclear Phagocytes and T Helper 17 Cells to Control Candida albicans in the Intestine

Abstract

Invasive Candida albicans (CA) infections often arise from the intestine and cause life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals. The role of gut commensal microbiota, metabolites, and host factors in the regulation of CA colonization in the intestine is poorly understood. Previous findings from our lab indicate that taurocholic acid (TCA), a major bile acid present in the intestine, promotes CA colonization and dissemination. Here, we report that oral administration of TCA to CA-infected mice significantly decreased the number of mononuclear phagocytes and CD4+ IL17A+ T helper 17 cells that play a critical role in controlling CA in the intestine. Collectively, our results indicate that TCA modulates mucosal innate and adaptive immune responses to promote CA colonization in the intestine.