Understanding how gut fungi influence lung health and asthma
Mechanistic Investigation of Gut Mycobiota in the Regulation of Lung Immunity and Disease
This work explores how the fungi living in our gut might affect our lung immunity and conditions like asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121861 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that a diverse community of fungi in the gut, called the mycobiota, plays a role in our body's immune responses. Changes in these gut fungi are linked to inflammatory conditions such as asthma. This project aims to uncover the exact ways gut fungi communicate with the immune system in the lungs, focusing on specific immune cells called T cells. By understanding this connection, we hope to learn how gut fungi might influence the development of airway inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with asthma or other inflammatory airway diseases may eventually benefit from the insights gained from this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat asthma and other airway diseases by targeting the gut fungal community.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between gut fungi and inflammatory disorders is recognized, the precise mechanisms of gut-lung immune communication are still largely unknown, making this a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Xin — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Li, Xin
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.