Cyclic Antifungal Peptides for Drug-Resistant Invasive Fungal Infections
Funded at Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center · NIH-11267160 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing new cyclic antifungal peptides to help treating drug-resistant fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Torrance, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $211,831 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI195389-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11267160 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with invasive aspergillosis or candidiasis caused by drug-resistant fungi, particularly immunocompromised individuals, may be eligible for future studies or related trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fungal infections that are already fully susceptible to standard therapies or who cannot tolerate peptides may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop cyclic antifungal peptides (CAFPs) that can fight drug-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans infections, which are especially dangerous for patients with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplants. The team will identify lead peptides that disrupt fungal membranes and may boost the effectiveness of existing antifungals like fluconazole. The work emphasizes novel mechanisms to overcome resistance and improve treatment options for invasive fungal infections. Results could lead to new therapeutic strategies that are more effective where current drugs fail.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with invasive fungal infections could have more effective treatments and better outcomes, especially those with weakened immune systems.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have identified lead peptides that inhibit drug-resistant fungal isolates and enhance existing drugs, indicating potential, though clinical impact remains to be shown.
Where this research is happening
-
Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Torrance, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Shakti — Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Singh, Shakti
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.