Boosting immune responses to fight C. neoformans infections in people with weakened immune systems
Official title: Induction of Protective Immune Responses Against C. neoformans in Immune Compromised Hosts
Funded at Texas Christian University · NIH-11032001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to boost the immune system's ability to fight off a serious fungal infection called Cryptococcus neoformans, especially for people with AIDS, by using a special version of the fungus to see how we can help the body recognize and defend against it better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Christian University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Worth, United States) |
| Project start | February 9, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $153,580 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI181668-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with AIDS or other conditions that compromise their immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully functioning immune systems or those not affected by C. neoformans infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how to enhance the immune response against Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungal infection that poses a serious risk to individuals with AIDS. The team will use a specially engineered strain of the fungus to study how the immune system can be trained to recognize and combat this infection effectively. By investigating the role of specific immune cells, the researchers aim to identify ways to induce protective immunity in patients who are immunocompromised. The findings could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating cryptococcal infections in vulnerable populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment options for cryptococcal infections in patients with weakened immune systems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using similar approaches to enhance immune responses against fungal infections, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wormley, Floyd L. — Texas Christian University
- Study coordinator: Wormley, Floyd L.
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.