Diet is a key determinant of gut microbial composition and mucosal immune function, yet the microbial mechanisms linking diet-mediated metabolic changes to immune regulation remain incompletely understood. T helper 17 (Th17) cells play central roles in both protective mucosal immunity and inflammatory pathology, making them a critical target of immunometabolic regulation. In this study, we show that 1,3-butanediol (BD) treatment, which leads to elevated circulating β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) independently of diet, is associated with suppression of intestinal Th17 responses, remodeling of the gut microbiota, and reduced levels of segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB). We further demonstrate that BHB-associated microbiota changes are linked to increased susceptibility to enteric infection. This work provides a mechanistic framework illustrating how metabolic state can influence host immunity through selective effects on commensal microbes. These findings inform future studies of microbiota-mediated immune regulation.

Gut bacteria produce a common compound called imidazole propionate. Higher levels of it contribute to dementia-related changes in the brain, a study reveals.  ​By Chris Barncard ​​August 12, 2026 A co...

“Christina’s approach to preventing fungal diseases before they become a problem is critical in these times when pathogenic fungi are expanding their prevalence, often in response to climate and weather pattern changes.”

Healthcare-associated infections pose the threat of increased morbidity for many patients while serving as a major cause of mortality for intensive care patients. The anesthetic induction agent propof...

The Departments of Medical Microbiology & Immunology and Bacteriology have sponsored the Perlman Symposium on Antibiotic Discovery and Development since 2010. The symposium highlights the medical aspe...

This form is not yet available.

The Departments of Medical Microbiology & Immunology and Bacteriology have sponsored the Perlman Symposium on Antibiotic Discovery and Development since 2010. The symposium highlights the medical aspe...

We talk about nuclear energy research and development in Wisconsin. Then, UW-Madison professors Anne Pringle and Nancy Keller join us to talk about the invasive death cap mushroom. Finally, we hear ab...

The Departments of Medical Microbiology & Immunology and Bacteriology have sponsored the Perlman Symposium on Antibiotic Discovery and Development since 2010. The symposium highlights the medical aspe...

The Departments of Medical Microbiology & Immunology and Bacteriology have sponsored the Perlman Symposium on Antibiotic Discovery and Development since 2010. The symposium highlights the medical aspe...

Browse Postoc and Research Intern vacancies at UW–Madison.

The Mark Mandel Lab is featured in the Fall 2025 issue of Microcosm, the flagship magazine of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). The article, “Shedding Light on the Vibrio–Squid Symbiosis,” ...