How oral Candida changes immune cells in the mouth
Candida albicans oral infection shapes innate immunity and recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells
This project looks at how Candida albicans in the mouth changes local immune responses and draws in immune-suppressing cells, which could matter for people with oral yeast infections or weakened immunity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323454 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses mouse models that mimic human oral Candida colonization and infection to study how fungal hyphae and secreted proteins trigger changes in the mouth lining. They examine immune cell behavior, including neutrophil “swarms” and Arginase1-positive granulocytic cells called myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and measure enzymes such as KLK5 and the fungal protease Sap6. Experiments include tissue analysis, immune cell profiling, and adoptive cell transfer approaches to test whether these recruited cells suppress T cell responses and allow the fungus to persist. Findings aim to explain why Candida sometimes remains in the mouth or causes chronic infection and to point toward ways to stop that process.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant to this work include those with recurrent oropharyngeal candidiasis, individuals with weakened immune systems, or anyone with persistent oral yeast infections.
Not a fit: People without oral Candida problems or whose infections are limited to other body sites are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat chronic or recurrent oral Candida infections by targeting fungal enzymes or immune-suppressing cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown MDSCs can suppress immunity in cancer and some infections, but applying these ideas specifically to oral Candida is a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Rohitashw — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Rohitashw
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.