How a common gut fungus trains your immune system
Commensal Candida albicans primed Th17 immunity
This project explores how a common fungus living in our gut helps train our immune system to protect us from infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129785 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our gut is home to many tiny organisms, including a common fungus called Candida albicans, which usually lives peacefully with us. This fungus can sometimes cause problems, especially in people with weakened immune systems, but it also plays a role in keeping our immune system strong. Researchers are working to understand how Candida albicans in the gut helps train specific immune cells, called Th17 cells, to protect the body from serious infections. By studying how this fungus interacts with the immune system, we hope to learn more about preventing and treating fungal infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work aims to benefit patients who are immunocompromised and at risk for severe fungal infections.
Not a fit: Patients not at risk for severe fungal infections or those who are not immunocompromised may not see direct, immediate benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding how gut fungi influence our immune system could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating life-threatening fungal infections.
How similar studies have performed: While much is known about bacteria in the gut, this approach to understanding fungal-specific immune training is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Way, Sing Sing — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Way, Sing Sing
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.