A bacterial peptide that may stop dangerous fungal infections
Mechanism of Fungal Virulence Inhibition by a Bacterial Peptide
Looking at whether a peptide made by a common bacterium and improved versions can block harmful fungi that cause infections in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252883 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project explores how a small peptide secreted by Enterococcus faecalis prevents fungi from causing disease. Researchers will identify which parts of the peptide drive its antifungal activity and design modified versions to improve stability and potency. The team will test candidates first in laboratory biofilm models and the C. elegans infection model, then evaluate promising peptides in mouse models of oropharyngeal infection. Understanding the mechanism could guide development of new treatments that stop fungi from exporting factors needed for virulence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with serious, recurrent, or antifungal-resistant fungal infections would be the types of patients who could eventually benefit or be eligible for future clinical testing.
Not a fit: Patients without fungal infections or those with mild, easily treated fungal conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new antifungal therapies that work against resistant or hard-to-treat fungal infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal-model work has shown that the EntV peptide can reduce fungal virulence, but the approach has not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lorenz, Michael C — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Lorenz, Michael C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.