Understanding immune responses to fungal infections in the female reproductive tract
Official title: Anti-fungal immune responses in the female reproductive tract
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10994281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system fights off yeast infections in the vagina, especially in healthy women, to understand how hormones like estrogen might affect this process and help develop better treatments or vaccines for these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $76,108 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AI186291-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who experience recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis or are at risk for such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of vulvovaginal candidiasis or are immunocompromised may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system responds to infections caused by the fungus Candida albicans in the female reproductive tract, particularly focusing on vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The study aims to identify the specific immune mechanisms that protect against these infections, especially in women who are otherwise healthy. Using animal models, researchers will explore how hormonal changes, such as increased estrogen levels, affect susceptibility to these infections and the immune response involved. By gaining insights into these processes, the research seeks to pave the way for potential new treatments or vaccines for VVC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments or preventive measures for women suffering from recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to fungal infections, but this specific focus on the female reproductive tract is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cook, Melissa Erin — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Cook, Melissa Erin
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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.