The gut microbiota prime systemic antiviral immunity via the cGAS-STING-IFN-I axis

2022/05/01 by Saskia F. Erttmann, Patrycja Swacha, Kyaw Min Aung +6 · 1 voice · 2 citations
Immunology and Microbiology · Medicine · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #interferon and immune responses #Viral Infections and Vectors #Inflammasome and immune disorders

paper · pdf · doi:10.1016/j.immuni.2022.04.006

openalex publication_date 2022/05/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/27

Abstract

The microbiota are vital for immune homeostasis and provide a competitive barrier to bacterial and fungal pathogens. Here, we investigated how gut commensals modulate systemic immunity and response to viral infection. Antibiotic suppression of the gut microbiota reduced systemic tonic type I interferon (IFN-I) and antiviral priming. The microbiota-driven tonic IFN-I-response was dependent on cGAS-STING but not on TLR signaling or direct host-bacteria interactions. Instead, membrane vesicles (MVs) from extracellular bacteria activated the cGAS-STING-IFN-I axis by delivering bacterial DNA into distal host cells. DNA-containing MVs from the gut microbiota were found in circulation and promoted the clearance of both DNA (herpes simplex virus type 1) and RNA (vesicular stomatitis virus) viruses in a cGAS-dependent manner. In summary, this study establishes an important role for the microbiota in peripheral cGAS-STING activation, which promotes host resistance to systemic viral infections. Moreover, it uncovers an underappreciated risk of antibiotic use during viral infections.

Citations

• The SILVA ribosomal RNA gene database project: improved data processing and web-based tools
• Extracellular vesicles: Exosomes, microvesicles, and friends
• Global access to antibiotics without prescription in community pharmacies: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cited by

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Discussions

• Professor Nelson Gekara's research reveals how gut bacteria release DNA-filled vesicles that activate the immune system, offering protection against viruses. doi.org/10.1016/j.im... Listen: www.scipod [bsky, 0 points, 0 comments]

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