# Idaho INBRE Program

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO · 2024 · $180,000

## Abstract

Project Summary
The project will establish honeybee larvae as a model for microbial pathogenesis, identify antimicrobial proteins,
and foster collaboration between the Rowley (INBRE) and Van Leuven (COBRE) laboratories. Vulvovaginal
candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent condition affecting 75% of women worldwide and is often caused by Candida
species of yeast. Understanding the pathogenesis of VVC has been hampered by the lack of a model organism
that mimics the acidic pH and predominance of Lactobacillus species in the human vaginal mucosa. The project
innovation lies in the use of honeybee larvae as a novel insect model for VVC and integrates the complementary
expertise of the Rowley and Van Leuven laboratories. INBRE investigator Rowley and COBRE investigator Van
Leuven specialize in microbial pathogenesis and microbiomes. Both investigators use insect models and have
realized the unique collaborative opportunities presented by their respective research programs to develop and
test a novel insect model of the human vaginal tract. The research will leverage the unique characteristics of
honeybee larvae, such as conserved innate immune mechanisms and midgut acidification by Lactobacillus
species. The project studies the pathogenicity of Candida yeasts, the disease-protective role of Lactobacillus
species, and investigates novel antimicrobial compounds. The project has three Specific Aims: 1- Develop the
collaboration between INBRE investigator Rowley and COBRE investigator Van Leuven; 2 - COBRE investigator
Van Leuven will develop honeybee larvae as a model system for Candida pathogenesis; and 3 - INBRE
investigator Rowley will identify antimicrobial proteins produced by Lactobacillus that are active
against pathogens. The project will make extensive use of PUI undergraduate student researchers in all
stated research aims. Both laboratories are committed to providing technical training, mentorship, and
supervision to all students involved in the project to ensure high standards of reproducibility, rigor, and safety.
In summary, the research adopts an innovative and collaborative approach, utilizing the honeybee model to
advance understanding and potentially unveil novel therapeutic approaches for VVC.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11016704
- **Project number:** 3P20GM103408-23S6
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
- **Principal Investigator:** Carolyn Hovde Bohach
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $180,000
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2001-09-30 → 2025-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11016704

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11016704, Idaho INBRE Program (3P20GM103408-23S6). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11016704. Licensed CC0.

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