Commensal microbe-derived butyrate enhances T follicular helper cell function to boost mucosal vaccine efficacy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The gut microbiota plays an essential role in mucosal immunity, with secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) acting as a key effector in neutralizing pathogens and maintaining host-microbiota homeostasis. IgA production occurs via T cell-dependent (TD) and -independent pathways, with T follicular helper (Tfh) cells driving high-affinity, antigen-specific IgA responses. However, the specific microbial taxa and metabolites that regulate Tfh-mediated IgA responses under steady-state conditions remain poorly understood. This study investigated how gut microbiota-derived signals shape Tfh responses and IgA production, with implications for enhancing mucosal vaccine efficacy.

Results

We demonstrate that Peyer's patches (PP)-derived Tfh cells exhibit superior IgA-inducing capac

SUBMITTER: Ko H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12825270 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature