Fungal leaks from the gut and lung health in COPD
Fungal Translocation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
This project looks at whether fungi or fungal pieces that pass from the gut into the blood make COPD symptoms and lung function worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194604 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, researchers will measure a fungal marker called beta-D-glucan (BDG) in blood samples from people with COPD and link those levels to lung function, symptoms, and flare-ups. They will also study how a weakened gut lining might allow fungal material into the bloodstream and whether that triggers lung inflammation. Lab experiments will test how BDG affects lung cells to help explain how fungal translocation could damage the lungs. Study visits will likely include blood draws, clinical exams, and follow-up for respiratory events.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with COPD, including current or former smokers, who can provide blood samples and attend follow-up visits are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without COPD or whose symptoms are driven by non-fungal causes may not receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to a blood marker to predict worsening COPD and open up new ways to prevent inflammation by targeting fungal translocation or gut barrier health.
How similar studies have performed: Past studies have linked bacterial gut leak to inflammation in lung disease, but focusing on fungal markers like BDG in COPD is relatively new with promising early data.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bon, Jessica — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Bon, Jessica
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 below.