Understanding how Candida albicans adapts to different body environments
Official title: Tissue specific immunity to fungal infections
Funded at Hackensack University Medical Center · NIH-11058914 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common fungus called Candida albicans changes to survive in different parts of the body, especially in people with weakened immune systems, and it focuses on a specific protein that helps the fungus resist treatments, so we can better understand how to fight these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hackensack University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hackensack, United States) |
| Project start | November 22, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $857,215 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI182977-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058914 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are immunocompromised individuals who are at higher risk for serious fungal infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fungal infections or those who are not immunocompromised may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune responses to Candida albicans, a common fungal pathogen that can cause serious infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The study focuses on how this fungus adapts to various environments in the body, such as the oral cavity and systemic circulation, by examining the role of a specific protein, Gcn5, which modifies other proteins to help the fungus survive and resist antifungal treatments. By using animal models, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind these adaptations and their implications for treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for fungal infections, particularly for vulnerable patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding fungal pathogenesis and antifungal resistance, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chauhan, Neeraj — Hackensack University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Chauhan, Neeraj
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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.