Better treatments and tests for Pneumocystis (PCP)
Improved Therapeutics and Diagnostics for Pneumocystis Pneumonia
New therapies, vaccines, and clearer diagnostic tests designed to help people with HIV or other 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 ID | NIH-11224067 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project works to find and test parts of the Pneumocystis fungus that could be used to make better medicines, vaccines, and lab tests. Researchers study the fungus's surface proteins and its genetic activity to spot targets that trigger protective antibodies. They are also improving PCR and other lab methods to tell harmless colonization apart from serious infection. Some work has used animals to show promising antibody protection and the team is developing tools that could be used in people at risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with HIV (especially those with low CD4 counts) or others with weakened immune systems who are at risk for or have had PCP would be the main candidates to benefit or to join related clinical work.
Not a fit: People without immunosuppression or those with unrelated lung infections are unlikely to benefit from these PCP-specific advances.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to safer, more effective treatments, preventive vaccines, and clearer tests that reduce hospitalizations and drug side effects for people at risk of PCP.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown that antibodies to a fungal surface protein can block Pneumocystis transmission, but human treatments and vaccines based on this approach are still new.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kolls, Jay K — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Kolls, Jay K
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.