Speedy delivery: EV-derived fungal antigens establish oral-gut Th17 crosstalk.

Fungal Th17 cells originating in the mouth adopt pathogenic features in the gut during Crohn's disease, highlighting oral-gut immune crosstalk.

• Why it matters: Understanding the source and development of pathogenic Th17 cells is crucial for targeting immune responses in Crohn's disease, yet their origins are not fully known.
• What they did: Martini et al. identified the mouth as a reservoir for Candida albicans-induced Th17 cells that can migrate and acquire pathogenic signatures in the gut, using immunological analyses.
• The result: This discovery suggests that oral fungal antigens influence gut immunity, providing new insights into disease mechanisms and potential intervention points for Crohn's disease.