Candida albicans in the gut: how it colonizes and affects immune responses
Official title: C. albicans-intrinsic mechanisms defining gut colonization
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11521346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how the fungus Candida albicans lives in the gut and what allows it to cause infections, with potential implications for preventing disease in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $79,748 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI175177-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11521346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with gut dysbiosis or a risk of Candida overgrowth may be relevant for future applications or related studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without gut infections or risk factors for Candida overgrowth may not directly benefit from this basic research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how Candida albicans colonizes the GI tract and how the surrounding microbial environment changes its behavior. It focuses on the yeast-to-filament transition and how high bacterial loads influence gut colonization. The work uses colonization models without antibiotics to see how the fungus interacts with real, living gut communities. By understanding these interactions, researchers hope to reveal targets that could reduce infections and improve gut health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to better strategies to prevent Candida gut infections and protect immune health in people.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that the fungus’ behavior in the gut is influenced by bacterial communities and environmental conditions, supporting potential translational relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bennett, Richard John — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Bennett, Richard John
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.