Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 Antagonizes Candida albicans Growth and Protects Intestinal Cells from C. albicans-Mediated Damage Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Divine Aleru
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Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study examined how Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 antagonizes Candida albicans growth and how this interaction protects intestinal epithelial cells from fungal damage. The authors investigated this microbiome interaction using co-culture models to understand mechanistic features linked to the focus keyphrase microbial antagonism between Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 and Candida albicans.
Who was studied?
The work used laboratory strains of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 and Candida albicans SC5314, alongside human intestinal epithelial cell lines C2BBe1 and HT29 MTX. These cells provided a controlled model of the gut surface to assess fungal injury and bacterial protection under conditions that mimic the human intestinal environment.
Most important findings
The study found that Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 exerted fungicidal pressure on Candida albicans during direct co-culture, reducing fungal survival and slowing growth. A mild soluble inhibitory factor appeared only when both organisms interacted, suggesting contact-dependent signaling. Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 reduced epithelial cell damage by half when added after fungal infection and prevented almost all injury when introduced before infection. It also disrupted microcolony formation and shortened hyphae, which are key virulence features. These effects occurred both through direct contact and distant signaling, showing dual antimicrobial modes.
Key implications
This work supports the therapeutic value of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 in limiting Candida albicans overgrowth and protecting the intestinal barrier. Its ability to suppress filamentation, microcolonies and epithelial injury positions it as a potential preventive strategy in fungal dysbiosis. The observed dual contact-dependent and soluble effects add important mechanistic features to microbiome-based antifungal approaches.
E. coli Nissle 1917
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is a rare, non-pathogenic strain of E. coli discovered during World War I from a soldier who did not get dysentery while others did. Unlike harmful E. coli, EcN acts as a probiotic: it settles in the gut, competes with bad bacteria for food and space, produces natural antimicrobials, and even helps strengthen the gut barrier.