How the immune system affects Candida behavior in the gut
Dissecting the impact of immune environment on Candida albicans pathogenic potential in the gut
Researchers are looking at how different immune conditions in the gut change Candida albicans so they can help people who get fungal gut infections or related inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11372670 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project examines how two human-relevant immune environments change Candida albicans from a harmless resident into a form that sticks to and invades gut tissue. Scientists will focus on how gut antibodies (especially IgA) and inflammatory immune signals influence Candida's shape and behavior, using lab models that mimic the human gut and animal experiments. The team will watch when Candida forms invasive hyphae and how immune molecules bind or alter the fungus. Findings will aim to point to immune factors that keep Candida harmless or that trigger disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant to this work include those with recurring or severe Candida-related gut problems, people with inflammatory bowel disease, or people with weakened immune systems.
Not a fit: People without gut colonization by Candida or with fungal problems limited to skin or nails are less likely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or reduce Candida-driven gut infections and gut inflammation by targeting immune responses or fungal behavior.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows Candida hyphae drive disease and that antibodies can bind microbes, but applying those findings to human-like gut immune environments is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ost, Kyla — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Ost, Kyla
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.