We are delighted to announce that the recent publication featuring our colleague Parastoo Akbarimoghaddam as a co-first author has been recognized with the 2026 DMykG Science Award.
The award recognizes the study “Human Colitis-on-Chip Model Reveals Dual Roles of Butyrate in Epithelial and Macrophage Defense Against Candida albicans Tissue Invasion”, published in Small.
Using a human immunocompetent colitis-on-chip model, the researchers investigated how microbiota-derived butyrate influences epithelial and immune defense against Candida albicans. The study reveals a dual protective role of butyrate: strengthening epithelial barrier integrity and renewal while enhancing macrophage antifungal activity and reducing excessive inflammation.
These findings provide new insights into the complex interplay between the gut microbiome, host immunity, and fungal infections in inflammatory bowel disease and highlight the potential of butyrate to support mucosal resilience.
We are very proud of this recognition and warmly congratulate Parastoo Akbarimoghaddam and all co-authors on this outstanding achievement!