Sex-dependent gastrointestinal colonization resistance to MRSA is microbiota and Th17 dependent

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is associated with a high risk of transmission and invasive disease in vulnerable populations. The immune and microbial factors that permit GI colonization remain unknown. Male sex is correlated with enhanced Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage, skin and soft tissue infections, and bacterial sepsis. Here, we established a mouse model of sexual dimorphism during GI colonization by MRSA. Our results show that in contrast to male mice that were susceptible to persistent colonization, female mice rapidly cleared MRSA from the GI tract following oral inoculation in a manner dependent on the gut microbiota. This colonization resistance displayed by female mice was mediated by an increase in IL-17A+ CD4+ T cells (Th17) and dependent on neutrophils. Ovariectomy of female mice increased MRSA burden, but gonadal female mice that have the Y chromosome retained enhanced Th17 responses and colonization resistance. Our study reveals a novel intersection between sex and gut microbiota underlying colonization resistance against a major widespread pathogen.