Giardia-induced Type 2 mucosal immunity attenuates intestinal inflammation caused by co-infection or colitis in mice.

ABSTRACT: Diarrhoeal diseases are the second leading cause of death in children worldwide. Epidemiological studies show that co-infection with the protozoan parasite Giardia intestinalis decreases diarrhoeal severity. Here we show a high incidence of asymptomatic Giardia infection in school-aged children from Nigeria. In a mouse model, Giardia induced a Type 2 mucosal immune response, characterized by antigen-specific Th2 cells, IL-25, Type 2 cytokines, and goblet cell hyperplasia. Single-cell RNA sequencing and multiparameter flow cytometry revealed expansion of IL-10-producing Th2 cells, which promoted parasite persistence and protected against Toxoplasma gondii-induced ileitis and dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. This protective effect was STAT6 dependent, as IL-4R blockade or STAT6 defici

SUBMITTER: Sardinha-Silva A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12458836 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature