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Tuft cells represent a rare population within the small intestine with an important role in defense against helminth infection through production of IL-25, which activates group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) to initiate subsequent protective type 2 immune responses. Schneider et al (Cell 2018; https://ift.tt/2wK3Rrt) have discovered that this pathway is activated by a protozoa-derived metabolite, which leads to small-intestine remodeling and enhanced antihelminth immunity. Mechanistically, fermentation of dietary fiber by the protozoa Tritrichomonas species in the small intestine led to accumulation of the metabolic end product succinate, which was then sensed by Tuft cells through the receptor GPR91 to activate the tuft cell–ILC2 circuit.

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