Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
individual
What campus are you from?
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Riley Dienna, Junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Riley Dienna
Faculty Mentor Name
Amber Paul
Abstract
Current clinical treatments for blood-based fungal infections mainly rely on systemic Amphotericin B, which, despite its effectiveness, is biologically toxic and remains the sole method for infection management. To explore safer alternatives, this project aims to introduce a gene therapy strategy as a promising treatment for fungal infections caused by Candida albicans biofilms. Through genetic engineering, we intend to deliver a powerful antimycotic enzyme, endo-alpha-mannosidase, into monocytes using plasmid gene therapy, thereby enhancing immune and antifungal responses. This initiative will create an effective alternative therapy to treat systemic fungal infections. Furthermore, the methodologies developed will provide proof of concept for enhancing monocyte functions of phagocytosis, encouraging further exploration for both terrestrial and space medicine applications.
Did this research project receive funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Yes, Ignite Grant
Working with the Immune System to Fight Infection: An Innovative Alternative to Chemical Anti fungal Treatment
Current clinical treatments for blood-based fungal infections mainly rely on systemic Amphotericin B, which, despite its effectiveness, is biologically toxic and remains the sole method for infection management. To explore safer alternatives, this project aims to introduce a gene therapy strategy as a promising treatment for fungal infections caused by Candida albicans biofilms. Through genetic engineering, we intend to deliver a powerful antimycotic enzyme, endo-alpha-mannosidase, into monocytes using plasmid gene therapy, thereby enhancing immune and antifungal responses. This initiative will create an effective alternative therapy to treat systemic fungal infections. Furthermore, the methodologies developed will provide proof of concept for enhancing monocyte functions of phagocytosis, encouraging further exploration for both terrestrial and space medicine applications.