Cryptosporidium infection of human small intestinal epithelial cells induces type III interferon expression and impairs the infectivity of live-attenuated rotavirus vaccines [hALI_Ch]

We developed a stem cell-derived culture system for C. hominis using human enterocytes differentiated under air-liquid interface (ALI) conditions. Human ALI (hALI) cultures supported robust growth and complete development of C. hominis in vitro including all life cycle stages. C. hominis infection induced a strong interferon response from enterocytes, likely driven by an endogenous dsRNA virus in the parasite. Prior infection with Cryptosporidium induced type III IFN secretion and consequently blunted infection with Rotavirus, suggesting such co-infections may alter vaccine efficacy. Comparative gene expression profiling analysis of RNA-seq data for hALI infected with C. hominis for 24h or without infection.