Better tests and treatments for Pneumocystis (PCP) pneumonia
Official title: Improved Therapeutics and Diagnostics for Pneumocystis Pneumonia
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11458530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Developing more accurate tests and safer treatment options for people with weakened immune systems who get Pneumocystis pneumonia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2016 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $99,873 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI120033-11S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11458530 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system who are at risk for or diagnosed with Pneumocystis pneumonia would be the ideal candidates for related clinical efforts.
✕Less likely to help
People without immune suppression or those with other types of pneumonia unrelated to Pneumocystis are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
The research team is identifying proteins on the Pneumocystis fungus and studying them in the lab and in animal models to find targets for new diagnostics and immune-based therapies. They are producing and testing pieces of fungal proteins (for example, GSC1) that in mice prompted antibodies that block the fungus, while also refining PCR-based tests to tell harmless colonization from active infection. Together these lab, animal, and diagnostic efforts aim to lead to tests and treatments that avoid the side effects and drug interactions of the current standard therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce more reliable tests and new treatment options that are safer and effective when current drugs fail or interact with other medicines.
How similar studies have gone: Previous laboratory and animal studies showed antibodies to a Pneumocystis protein (GSC1) can block transmission in mice and quantitative PCR methods are being used to improve diagnosis, but new human therapies remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kolls, Jay K — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Kolls, Jay K
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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.