Creating tools to study a fungal pathogen causing pneumonia in immunocompromised patients
Official title: Development of a Molecular Toolbox for Pneumocystis
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11022664 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to understand a fungus called Pneumocystis jirovecii, which can cause pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems, by using advanced gene editing tools to see how changes in the fungus affect its behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $402,860 |
| NIH project number | 1R61AI187097-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022664 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS or undergoing immunosuppressive therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with robust immune systems or those not at risk for Pneumocystis pneumonia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing molecular tools to better understand Pneumocystis jirovecii, a fungal pathogen that causes pneumonia in individuals with weakened immune systems. The researchers aim to use advanced gene editing technology, specifically CRISPR/Cas9, to introduce mutations into the pathogen, allowing for functional studies that were previously impossible. By using extracellular vesicles to deliver genetic material into the pathogen, they hope to observe how these changes affect its behavior in a controlled environment. This work could lead to a deeper understanding of the pathogen's biology and its interactions with the immune system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis in immunocompromised patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using CRISPR technology has shown promise in other pathogens, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smulian, Alan George — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Smulian, Alan George
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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.