<i>C. difficile</i>infection induces toxin A specific responses

Abstract The nosocomial pathogen Clostridioides difficile colonizes the gastrointestinal tract of patients following microbiome disruption and secretes two major virulence factors toxin A (TcdA) B (TcdB). Approximately 25% infected with C. experience recurrent infection, rate recurrence increases each subsequent infection. quality protective capacity adaptive immune response generated infection is not well defined. Using a mouse model, we saw high IgG IgA antibody titers in serum stool to TcdA Further, identify specific CD4 +T cells, peptide library was from amino acid sequence subsequently used test for reactive T cells. cells mice produced IL-17a restimulation peptides, number correlating titers. Furthermore, cellular responses were confined tract, expansion germinal center follicular helper lamina propria mesenteric lymph nodes, but spleen. Further characterization led identification interest that will aid future investigation Supported by grants NIH (R01 AI158830-01, R21 AI164385)