In this encore episode, we detail the intestinal mycobiome and the mechanisms by which beneficial microbes aid in regulating opportunistic fungal species: Candida albicans. We discuss Candida overgrowth virulence and how disruptions in microbial balance, immune function, and epithelial integrity impact Candida's pathogenicity. Additionally, we discuss the role of mast cells in the lamina propria, their involvement in mucosal immunity, and how Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) can be exacerbated by fungal dysbiosis / microbial imbalances.
Topics:
1. Introduction
- The intestinal mycobiome and its role in intestinal health.
- Regulating populations of opportunistic fungal species like Candida albicans.
- Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) intro.
2. Structure of the Intestinal Barrier
- The microbiome and mucus layer: microbes, mucins, antimicrobial peptides, sIgA.
- The epithelial monolayer: enterocytes, goblet cells, Paneth cells, enteroendocrine cells…
- Tight junction proteins and paracellular transport.
- The lamina propria beneath the epithelium: immune cells and more.
3. Candida’s Pathogenicity and Barrier Disruption
- Exists primarily in its yeast form, regulated by microbial competition, host immune defenses, antifungal peptides.
- Secretory IgA (sIgA) and immune surveillance mechanisms help regulate fungal populations.
- Chronic stress, immune suppression, and dysbiosis can deplete sIgA, increasing susceptibility to Candida proliferation.
- Environmental triggers such as immune suppression, microbial depletion, inflammatory cytokines.
- Yeast-to-hyphal transition, deeper tissue invasion.
- Secreted aspartyl proteinases (SAPs), phospholipases, candidalysin: epithelial damage.
- Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and overgrowth detection.
4. Impact of Beneficial Bacteria on Candida Overgrowth
- Beneficial bacteria compete with Candida for nutrients and epithelial adhesion sites.
- Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by beneficial bacteria.
- Depletion of beneficial bacteria removes ecological resistance, allowing Candida to proliferate unchecked.
5. Mast Cells in the Lamina Propria and Their Role in Intestinal Immunity
- Mast cell location
- Upon activation, mast cells release histamine, cytokines, proteases, and more that regulate gut immune responses.
- Histamine can increase gut permeability and modulate local immune activation.
- Tryptase and chymase.
- Pro-inflammatory cytokines.
6. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
- Mast cell hyperactivation.
- Environmental triggers, toxins, chronic infections, and stress.
- Candida overgrowth and mast cell activation.
- Addressing microbial imbalances and reducing the body’s total microbial, chemical, and toxin burden.
- A diverse microbiome.
7. Conclusion
- Candida overgrowth and regulation via immune defenses and beneficial bacterial competition.
- MCAS, root cause approach.
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