Data from: Analyses Xenopus laevis mast cells, neutrophils, and mast cell-enriched, chytrid infected skin

Global amphibian declines are compounded by deadly disease outbreaks
caused by the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Much
has been learned about the roles of amphibian skin-produced antimicrobial
components and microbiomes in controlling Bd, yet almost nothing is known
about the roles of skin-resident immune cells in anti-Bd defenses.
Mammalian mast cells reside within and serve as key immune sentinels in
barrier tissues like skin. Accordingly, we investigated the roles of
Xenopus laevis frog mast cells during Bd infections. Our findings indicate
that enrichment of X. laevis skin mast cells confers anti-Bd protection
and ameliorates the inflammation-associated skin damage caused by Bd
infection. This includes a significant reduction in infiltration of
Bd-infected skin by neutrophils, promoting mucin content within cutaneous
mucus glands, and preventing Bd-mediated changes to skin microbiomes.
Mammalian mast cells are known for their production of the pleiotropic
interleukin-4 (IL4) cytokine and our findings suggest that the X. laevis
IL4 plays a key role in conferring the effects seen following cutaneous
mast cell enrichment. Together, this work underscores the importance of
amphibian skin-resident immune cells in anti-Bd defenses and illuminates a
novel avenue for investigating amphibian host-chytrid pathogen
interactions.