Giardia-induced Type 2 mucosal immunity attenuates intestinal inflammation caused by co-infection or colitis in mice

Abstract

Diarrhoeal diseases are the second leading cause of death in children worldwide. Epidemiological studies show that co-infection with the protozoan parasite Giardia intestinalis decreases diarrhoeal severity. Here we show a high incidence of asymptomatic Giardia infection in school-aged children from Nigeria. In a mouse model, Giardia induced a Type 2 mucosal immune response, characterized by antigen-specific Th2 cells, IL-25, Type 2 cytokines, and goblet cell hyperplasia. Single-cell RNA sequencing and multiparameter flow cytometry revealed expansion of IL-10-producing Th2 cells, which promoted parasite persistence and protected against Toxoplasma gondii-induced ileitis and dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. This protective effect was STAT6 dependent, as IL-4R blockade or STAT6 deficiency impaired IL-10⁺ Th2 responses, resulting in Th1/Th17-driven tissue damage, inflammation and clearance of Giardia infection. Our findings demonstrate that Giardia reshapes mucosal immunity toward a Type 2 response, facilitating parasitism and conferring mutualistic protection from inflammatory pathologies, highlighting a key role for protists in mucosal defence regulation.