Batf3-dependent CD103⁺ dendritic cell accumulation is dispensable for mucosal and systemic antifungal host defense

Dendritic cells (DCs) are critical for defense against a variety of pathogens and the formation of adaptive immune responses. The transcription factor Batf3 is critical for the development of CD103⁺CD11b⁻ DCs, which promote IL-12–dependent protective immunity during viral and parasitic infections, dampen Th2 immunity during helminthic infection, and exert detrimental effects during bacterial infection. Whether CD103⁺ DCs modulate immunity during systemic or mucosal fungal disease remains unknown. Herein, we report that Batf3 is critical for accumulation of CD103⁺ DCs in the kidney and tongue at steady state, for their expansion during systemic and oropharyngeal candidiasis, and for tissue-specific production of IL-12 in kidney but not tongue during systemic and oropharyngeal candidiasis, respectively. Importantly, deficiency of CD103⁺ DCs does not impair survival or fungal clearance during systemic or oropharyngeal candidiasis, indicating that Batf3-dependent CD103⁺ DC accumulation mediates pathogen- and tissue-specific immune effects.