Theranostic Test for Antifungal Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases

Background & Unmet Need

• Intestinal fungi are an important component of the gut microbiota, with recent studies detailing their role in modulating host immune homeostasis and inflammatory disease
• Intestinal fungal dysbiosis has been shown to influence colitis, alcoholic liver disease, and allergic lung disease
• However, the specific mechanisms governing immunity to gut mycobiota are poorly understood
• Unmet Need: Improved methods of identifying and treating patients with fungal dysbiosis

Technology Overview

• The Technology: A method for identifying IBD patients who may benefit from antifungal therapy based on the presence of CX3CR1 mutations
• The Discovery: CX3CR1+ mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs) are essential for the initiation of innate and adaptive immune responses to intestinal fungi
• In mouse models that lacked CX3CR1 signaling, the inventors observed a significant decrease in antibodies against S. cerevisiae as well as CX3CR1+ MNP populations
• These mice were susceptible to induced colitis in the presence of C. albicans and C. tropicalis
• PoC Data: Administration of the antifungal gent fluconazole in these mice reduced symptoms of colitis

Technology Applications

• Identification of IBD patients predisposed to gut fungal dysbiosis
• Stratification of IBD patients who may benefit from antifungal treatment
• Screening method for patients at risk of developing IBD

Technology Advantages

• Theranostic test consists of straightforward PCR and ELISA-based assays
• Antifungal MOA is distinct from current therapies targeting inflammation