Summary
Chronic intestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are associated with continual tissue damage that must be repaired. Mucosal restoration is a coordinated process that can be influenced by extrinsic factors, including the commensal bacterial community (1–3). However, individuals with intestinal disease often receive antibiotics during their care, disrupting these beneficial bacteria. Although fungi comprise a relatively small proportion of the microbial community, they can take over mucosal niches because they are not targeted by antibiotics (4). On page 1154 of this issue, Jain et al. (5) find that the yeast Debaryomyces hansenii, which is commonly used in the food industry, can colonize wounds in antibiotic-treated mice and is present in the inflamed tissue of individuals with IBD. This colonization enhances inflammation by blocking the signaling required for wound healing. Thus, disruption of commensal bacteria can open niches for fungi that exacerbate disease.