Olivia Todd, PhD
Postdoctoral Trainee
Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine
Advisor: Judith Behnsen, PhD Heading link
Title: Cross-kingdom interactions: Candida albicans enhances Salmonella Typhimurium pathogenesis
Abstract: The gut microbiome (bacterial, fungal, viral, and other eukaryotic members) has emerged as an important influence over many parts of human health. One surprising phenomenon is an inter-organ communication between the gut and lungs, termed the gut-lung axis. Recent studies have identified alterations in the gut microbiota that have systemic effects on the immune system and susceptibility to respiratory diseases. Our lab has identified a previously unknown interaction between Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen found as a commensal in the gut, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, a major food-borne enteric bacterial pathogen. C. albicans can enhance Salmonella pathogenesis during gastrointestinal infection, resulting in higher colonization and dissemination of Salmonella, as well as a blunted immune response. We are currently working to identify the fungal and bacterial components mediating this synergistic cross-kingdom interaction within the gut and systemic effects on the host.