Intestinal microbe-derived metabolites instruct macrophages in the lungs

The bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine induces homotypic protection against tuberculosis and, surprisingly, heterotypic protection against other pathogens. New work shows that BCG vaccination causes leakage of microbial gut metabolites into circulation, which induces changes in alveolar macrophages protective against pneumonia.

Automated summary

The BCG vaccine provides homotypic protection against tuberculosis and surprising heterotypic protection against other pathogens. New research reveals that BCG vaccination leads to leakage of gut microbial metabolites into circulation, triggering protective changes in alveolar macrophages against pneumonia.