LAUSR

Immunology Fungal dysbiosis in the gut may occur after antibiotic treatment. This happens because specific microorganisms that support natural resistance are eliminated. In certain cases, fungal dysbiosis can promote allergic airway disease (AAD). Li et al. administered fluconazole to mice and found that it exacerbated AAD responses to house dust mite. An environment free of fungi abrogated this effect, whereas feeding mice dysbiosis-associated fungi enhanced AAD, even in mice with otherwise normal microflora. The researchers then examined the role of CX3CR1+ mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs), which recognize and take up fungi in the gut. Syk-mediated activation of CX3CR1+ MNPs was required, potentially through the priming of fungal-specific helper T cells. Cell Host Microbe 24 , 847 (2018).