Early life exposure to Candida albicans disrupts regulatory T cells

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Presentation Time: 02:15 PM - 03:30 PM
Poster Board Number: B114
Abstract ID: 5114

Presenting Author:
Shaunessey G Crozier , Lab Technologist at Mayo Clin., Minnesota

Abstract:

Fungal species are immunogenic members of the commensal microbiota, on the skin and the intestine. Opportunistic Candida albicans is associated with numerous allergic disorders, like atopic dermatitis, with ~90% of cases diagnosed by age 6. With an increased lifetime risk to other allergic disorders, C. albicans exposure in early life may contribute to the development of allergic-type responses. Premature infant stool sequencing found frequent C. albicans colonization suggesting colonization in the human GI tract. Previous observations found mice exposed to C. albicans prior to, but not post, weaning maintain colonization into adulthood. Neonatal colonization of C. albicans in the intestine, resulted in long term colonization and presented significantly decreased FoxP3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) post-weaning in the mesenteric lymph nodes, small intestine, and colon lamina propria (LP). Additionally, RORγt+ and C-MAF+ Th17-cells were increased in the LP. By comparison, adult exposure to C. albicans through the skin or intestine, showed no disruption of FoxP3+ Tregs, suggesting neonatal exposure to C. albicans may be more disruptive to developing Tregs. Future research will focus on the impact of C. albicans presence to early microbiota complexity and diversity development. Treg establishment in early life is vital for tolerance and maintenance of commensal organisms, thus Treg disruption potentially links C. albicans colonization towards the development of allergic responses.