Fungal-bacterial interactions: an opportunity for novel treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Intestinal fungi, collectively known as the mycobiota, have emerged as significant contributors to intestinal disease severity. Our prior research demonstrated the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation in inducing clinical responses in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients associated with decreased fungal colonization over time. Further investigations in mouse models and UC patients revealed that fungi exacerbate disease severity through the production of a toxin called candidalysin. Utilizing an array of approaches, we determined a wide fungal genetic variation within the gut of UC patients. With this proposal we will explore innovative approaches for fungal targeting in UC employing dietary approaches.