Balancing act of cytokines in controlling the severity of <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> infection

ABSTRACT The severity of Clostridioides difficile infection is dictated by a complex interplay of various host cell types and inflammatory mediators responding to the pathogen and surrounding microbiome. An effective immune response must carefully balance controlling C. difficile -mediated pathology and systemic dissemination of opportunistic bacteria while avoiding collateral immunopathology. In addition, a successful immune response must also promote restorative mechanisms to repair toxin-induced disruptions to the intestinal barrier. Here, we review the immune response to C. difficile infection with a specific focus on the role of innate immune-induced cytokines.