Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase and defense against Aspergillus fumigatus
Official title: Deciphering the Role of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase in the Host Defense Against Aspergillus fumigatus
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11550554 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how blocking BTK affects the body’s ability to fight a serious fungal infection in people who may be treated for autoimmune diseases or B cell cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $826,053 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AI187259-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11550554 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients receiving BTK inhibitors for autoimmune diseases or B cell malignancies, or individuals at risk for invasive aspergillosis, may benefit from the findings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not treated with BTK inhibitors or not at risk for Aspergillus infections may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
BTK inhibitors used to treat B cell conditions can unintentionally raise the risk of invasive fungal infections. This grant studies how BTK inhibition changes immune cell function, especially alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, and related signaling with TNF-alpha and GM-CSF, to understand why Aspergillus fumigatus infections occur. The research uses human-relevant models and collaborates with experts to uncover why certain tissues become more susceptible when BTK is blocked. Findings could guide safer use of BTK inhibitors and inform strategies to protect patients from fungal infections. The work aims to bridge molecular mechanisms with potential clinical approaches to prevent infection in at-risk individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to safer use of BTK inhibitors and new approaches to prevent invasive aspergillosis in patients with autoimmune diseases or B cell cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous data indicate BTK inhibition dampens key antifungal immune responses, supporting the plausibility of targeted interventions, though specific mechanisms remain under study.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vyas, Jatin M — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Vyas, Jatin M
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.