A vaccine to protect against Cryptococcus in people with AIDS

Mechanisms of vaccine protection against AIDS-associated Cryptococcus infection

['FUNDING_R01'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11226113

This research is exploring a new vaccine candidate to protect people with AIDS from life-threatening fungal infections like Cryptococcus meningitis.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorRUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11226113 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Invasive fungal infections are a serious concern, especially for individuals with AIDS, as they can lead to conditions like fungal meningitis and are often fatal. Currently, there are very few treatment options and no vaccines available to prevent these infections. Our scientists have identified a promising new vaccine candidate, called HK-fbp1, which has shown broad protection against Cryptococcus and other fungal infections in initial studies. This work aims to understand how this vaccine works to help bring it closer to becoming a new treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is ultimately intended to benefit individuals with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) who are vulnerable to fungal infections.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have AIDS or are not at risk for these specific fungal infections may not directly benefit from this particular vaccine.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this vaccine could offer a much-needed way to prevent severe fungal infections in people living with AIDS, potentially saving lives.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies by this team have already shown that the HK-fbp1 vaccine candidate provides significant protection in animal models.

Where this research is happening

Newark, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.