Understanding how excessive immune response affects Candida infections
Official title: Candida albicans pathogenesis in the context of mucosal type II interferonopathy
Funded at U.s. National Inst on Deafness/comm Disr · NIH-10711118 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how too much type II interferon affects the immune system and makes it easier for the Candida fungus to cause infections in people with a specific autoimmune condition called APECED, with the goal of finding better ways to help manage these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | U.s. National Inst on Deafness/comm Disr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| NIH project number | 1FI2GM150423-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10711118 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) or similar conditions that involve excessive type II interferon.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autoimmune conditions or those not affected by Candida infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of excessive type II interferon in the immune response, particularly how it influences the behavior of the Candida albicans fungus in patients with certain autoimmune conditions. The study focuses on patients with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) and aims to uncover the mechanisms by which high levels of interferon-gamma can lead to increased susceptibility to Candida infections. By analyzing the transcriptional changes in Candida albicans, the research seeks to identify how this pathogen transitions from a harmless to a harmful state in the presence of excessive immune signaling. This could provide insights into better management of infections in affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients suffering from Candida infections related to autoimmune conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there have been successful studies exploring the relationship between immune responses and fungal infections.
Where this research is happening
-
U.s. National Inst on Deafness/comm Disr
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lubkin, Ashira Leah — U.s. National Inst on Deafness/comm Disr
- Study coordinator: Lubkin, Ashira Leah
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how viruses influence immunity in the female reproductive system
This study is looking at how certain viruses and the bacteria in the vagina work together to help protect women's reproductive health and fight off infections, especially for those using antibiotics or medications for HIV.
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.