How Candida albicans affects immune responses in the gut

Commensal Candida albicans primed Th17 immunity

NIH-funded research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-10878729

This study is looking at how a common fungus called Candida albicans affects the immune system in our gut, using mice to learn more about how it activates important immune cells that help fight infections, which could lead to better treatments for gut health issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cincinnati, United States)
Project IDNIH-10878729 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the common fungus Candida albicans interacts with the immune system in the human gut. By using a mouse model, researchers will study how C. albicans colonization leads to the activation of specific immune cells known as Th17 CD4+ T cells. These immune cells are important for protecting against infections, and understanding their behavior could help in developing new treatments for conditions related to gut health and immune response. The study aims to fill gaps in knowledge about the role of fungi in gut immunity and how they may contribute to systemic infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with compromised immune systems who are at risk for infections related to Candida albicans.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have any immune system issues or those not affected by Candida albicans infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating infections caused by Candida albicans, especially in vulnerable populations.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the immune response to fungal infections, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Cincinnati, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.