Fig. 1: Overview of the impact of the gut mycobiome on colonic health.
From: The role of the mycobiome in host physiology and disease: insights from rodent models
The effects of the mycobiome on colonic health are mediated through the shaping of the fungal community composition, mucosal immune surveillance, signaling and response. Gut mycobiome imbalance can negatively impact gut health by reducing sIgA response, impairing C-type lectin receptor and CX3CR1 signaling in MNPs, and increasing β-mannosylation capacity. In some conditions, the use of antifungal treatment can negatively affect colonic health. Conversely, gut mycobiome homeostasis can impact gut health positively by promoting robust TH17 signaling (important for host defense and barrier integrity), improving beneficial fungal growth and inducing effective IL-18 signaling.
