Key message
Infections with the bacterial pathogen Clostridium difficile are a major cause of diarrhea and intestinal inflammation that can lead to life threatening complications. Despite its clinical relevance, the impact of the immune response during C. difficile infections has only been poorly characterized. We show in our study that in mice the activation of the MyD88-dependent signaling in the intestinal epithelium is sufficient to induce host resistance during acute infection. In contrast, immune cells such as macrophages or dendritic cells seem to be less important in this model.
Translational perspective
Modulation of the MyD88 signaling pathway may be a promising approach to strengthen the intestinal barrier during acute infections with C. difficile.