Understanding how the body defends against vaginal yeast infections
Official title: Mucosal host defense against vaginal candidiasis
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11123494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how your immune system fights off vaginal yeast infections, specifically focusing on certain immune cells and signals that help protect you, with the hope of finding better ways to prevent and treat these common infections for women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 21, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $196,980 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185365-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who experience recurrent vaginal candidiasis or have a history of vulvovaginal candidiasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience vaginal candidiasis or have other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune response to vaginal candidiasis, a common fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. It focuses on the role of specific immune cells and cytokines in protecting the vaginal mucosa from infection. By examining how these immune components interact, the study aims to uncover new insights into the body's defense mechanisms against this prevalent condition. The findings could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for women suffering from recurrent infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new therapies or vaccines to prevent recurrent vaginal candidiasis, significantly improving the quality of life for affected women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding immune responses to fungal infections in other body sites, suggesting potential for breakthroughs in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gaffen, Sarah L — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Gaffen, Sarah L
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.