Project description
Fungal infections: unveiling the interplay with the host
Fungi are usually harmless to human health and can be found on the skin and in body cavities. However, under specific conditions fungi such as the Candida species may cause infections that can be life-threatening. The EU-funded FunHoMic project focuses on understanding the interplay between the infectious fungi, the host immune system and host microbiota. To investigate how this interaction determines the severity of a fungal infection, the consortium will develop an organ-on-a-chip approach and undertake genetic analysis to identify biomarkers and other determinants associated with fungal infectivity. Results will pave the way towards better stratification of fungal infections and tailored therapeutic interventions.
Objective
Fungal infections have a major impact on human health, infecting about 2 billion people and killing more people each year than malaria or breast cancer. In particular, Candida species impose a high clinical and economic burden upon the European population. They frequently cause fatal hospital-acquired bloodstream infections. They also cause oral thrush and vaginitis. Most women have suffered an episode of vulvovaginal candidiasis, with ~8% enduring recurrent infections. The initiation and severity of a Candida infection depends on an intricate interplay between the infecting fungal strain and the individual’s immune status and microbiota, all of which can display significant variability. Therefore, for the first time, FunHoMic integrates experts in fungal pathogenesis, immunology, microbial ecology and ‘omics technologies to train 13 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) who will define and exploit this Fungal-Host-Microbiota interplay to identify novel biomarkers (fungal or host genetic polymorphisms, microbiota profiles, metabolites or immune markers) for the stratification of a patient’s risk of serious fungal infection. This will pave the way for precision medicine in patient management through preventive or therapeutic interventions using antifungals, immune modulators or Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs). FunHoMic ESRs will gain broad interdisciplinary skills plus a translational mindset through our integrated, inter-sectoral training program. This will allow Europe to remain at the forefront of translational research in the field of medical mycology. To achieve this vision FunHoMic unites academic partners from France, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain and UK, a French Technology Research Institute with cutting-edge ‘omics technology platforms and three SMEs from The Netherlands, Belgium and France that bring unrivalled organ-on-chip and gastro-intestinal tract simulation technologies and expertise in the development and exploitation of innovative LBPs.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologybacteriology
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologymycology
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunology
- medical and health scienceshealth sciencespersonalized medicine
- engineering and technologyother engineering and technologiesmicrotechnologyorgan on a chip
Keywords
Programme(s)
Coordinator
75724 Paris
France