Gut Pathogen Alters Epithelial Cells to Promote Colonization and Disease

A new study reveals how the bacterial pathogen Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) modifies epithelial cell signaling in the inflamed gut. This 'rewiring' creates a nutrient-rich environment, facilitating bacterial colonization and disease progression, including colitis and colorectal cancer. The findings offer promising new targets for therapeutic interventions.