Defining Strain-Specific Fungal Induction of Inflammatory Responses in Patients with Crohn’s Disease

The human gut is home to trillions of microbes including bacteria, viruses and fungi. These microbes play a crucial role in our health, particularly in diseases like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which affects millions worldwide. Surprisingly, not only the microbes that naturally reside in our intestines but also those we consume through our diet, especially fungi, can influence gut health. Our study aims to explore how different strains of gut fungi contribute to gut inflammation, which is a key feature of IBD. By studying these fungi, we have discovered that they can significantly influence the body’s inflammatory immune response at the strain level, potentially influencing the pathogenesis of IBD. We specifically focus on the effects of these fungal strains on the production of certain immune signals, which are pivotal in the body’s defense system but can also lead to inflammation when not properly regulated. Through advanced genetic and microbiological techniques, we aim to pinpoint which fungal strains in the gut can trigger inflammatory immune responses, paving the way for diet recommendations or treatments that might prevent or mitigate the symptoms of IBD. This project could lead to new knowledge in understanding and managing this challenging disease.