M. R. Howitt

The paper investigates parabasalid protists in reptiles, finding they have a flexible host range and adapt to temperature changes, but cold temperatures negatively affect their transcriptomes.

This study shows that tuft cell-derived acetylcholine in the intestine triggers immediate fluid secretion, distinct from its role in immune responses, and is involved in Type 2 inflammation and helminth clearance.

This study shows that succinate from commensal protists activates tuft cells, leading to changes in antimicrobial peptides and microbiota composition in the small intestine.

The paper identifies metabolic diversity in commensal protists and shows how it influences intestinal immunity and trans-kingdom competition with bacteria.