Nutritional Influence on Microbiota and Immune Responses During Cryptosporidium Infections

Awarded in 2025

Updated Dec 3, 2025

At a Glance

The project, Nutritional Influence on Microbiota and Immune Responses During Cryptosporidium Infections, led by research associate Bethany Korwin-Mihavics, PhD, investigates how nutrition and gut microbiota shape the body’s response to Cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes severe gastrointestinal illness. Using experimental models, the study explores how malnutrition-associated changes in the gut microbiome influence susceptibility to infection and alter immune responses. By identifying microbial communities that worsen disease and clarifying the mechanisms behind these interactions, this work aims to inform the development of future therapies for Cryptosporidium and potentially other intestinal parasites. Margaret Alexander, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, serves as the supervising mentor.

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Postdoctoral Grant

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The project, Regulation of Inflammatory and Wnt Signaling by LncRNA IL6-AS1, led by research associate Xin He, PhD, investigates how a little known molecule called IL6-AS1 regulates two critical cellular pathways: inflammation and tissue growth/repair. By mapping how IL6-AS1 communicates with these pathways, the study aims to clarify why some individuals are more susceptible to severe infections, autoimmune conditions or certain cancers. The project also examines naturally occurring gene variants to understand how they may alter IL6-AS1 activity and influence vulnerability to specific fungal infections. Bruce Klein, MD, professor and division chief, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, serves as the supervising mentor.

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