Early fungal antigens and vaccines for Valley Fever
Official title: Early in vivo Expressed Antigens and their Role in Virulence, Immune Response, and Vaccines for Coccidioidomycosis
Funded at Northern Arizona University · NIH-11397278 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A team will study early fungal genes that cause Valley Fever and test new vaccines and tests to help people who could get the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern Arizona University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Flagstaff, United States) |
| Project start | August 24, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,451,607 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI166058-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397278 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals in VF-endemic regions who may participate in human sample collection for TCR sequencing and future vaccines/diagnostic trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not eligible for future VF vaccine or diagnostic trials or not contributing samples may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the immune system reacts to Valley Fever and uses gene editing to identify which early Coccidioides genes help the fungus cause illness. Researchers will knock out these genes with CRISPR and test virulence in wax moths, mice, and non-human primates to find targets for vaccines and diagnostics. They will also map T cell receptor responses in humans at multiple clinical sites to understand how the body recognizes these early fungal antigens. The work combines human samples and animal models to move toward better vaccines and rapid tests for VF.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines and quicker diagnostic tests for Valley Fever.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show that targeting early fungal genes can reveal virulence factors and vaccine targets, but this approach is still developing.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barker, Bridget Marie — Northern Arizona University
- Study coordinator: Barker, Bridget Marie
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.