Pathogenic fungi-induced susceptibility is mitigated by mutual Lactobacillus plantarum in the Drosophila melanogaster model
Abstract Abstract Background Since animals frequently encounter a variety of harmful fungi in nature, their ability to develop sophisticated anti-fungal strategies allows them to flourish across the globe. Extensive studies have highlighted the significant involvement of indigenous microbial communities in human health. However, the daunting diversity of mammalian microbiota and host genetic complexity are major obstacles to our understanding of these intricate links between microbiota components, host immune genotype, and disease phenotype. In this study, we sought to develop a bacterium-fungus-Drosophilamodel to systematically evaluate the anti-fungal effects of commensal bacteria. Results We isolated the pathogenic fungal strain, Diaporthe FY, which was detrimental to the survival and development of Drosophila upon infection. Using Drosophilaas a model system, Drosophila-associated Lactobacillus plantarumfunctioned as a probiotic, and protected the flies from mortality induced by Diaporthe FY. Our results show that L. plantarumhindered the growth of Diaporthe FYin vitro, and decreased the mortality rate of Diaporthe FY-infected flies in vivo, consequently mitigating the toxicity of Diaporthe FYto the hosts. Additionally, the presence of L. plantarumoverrode the avoidance of oviposition on Diaporthe FY-associated substrates. Conclusions Diaporthe FYwas identified as a potential Drosophilapathogen. Commensal L. plantarummitigated the susceptibility of Drosophilato pathogenic fungi, providing insight into the natural interplay between commensal and pathogenic microbial communities that contribute to animal health and pathogenesis.