How Fungi in Your Mouth Affect Your Body's Defenses
Oral commensal fungi and structural immunity
['FUNDING_R01'] · LUNDQUIST INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION AT HARBOR-UCLA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11098520
This project explores how common fungi living in your mouth help shape your body's immune system, especially in conditions like AIDS.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | LUNDQUIST INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION AT HARBOR-UCLA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (TORRANCE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11098520 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are looking into how a common fungus called Candida albicans, which normally lives in your mouth, influences your body's immune system. While often seen as a cause of infection, this fungus actually plays a key role in teaching your immune cells how to respond to other threats. This process, sometimes called 'trained immunity,' helps your body build stronger defenses. We also want to understand 'structural immunity,' which is how the cells that make up your tissues, like those in your mouth, contribute to maintaining a healthy immune balance. By understanding these interactions, we hope to learn more about how your body protects itself from illness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to individuals interested in how the body's immune system interacts with common microorganisms, particularly those with conditions affecting immunity like AIDS.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical interventions may not find immediate benefit from this basic science investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding how common oral fungi influence our immune system could lead to new strategies for strengthening the body's defenses against infections and improving overall health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous findings from this group and others have shown that common oral fungi can indeed trigger specific immune responses, suggesting this is a promising area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
TORRANCE, UNITED STATES
- LUNDQUIST INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION AT HARBOR-UCLA MEDICAL CENTER — TORRANCE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SWIDERGALL, MARC — LUNDQUIST INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION AT HARBOR-UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: SWIDERGALL, MARC
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome