Early in vivo antigens and their role in coccidioidomycosis virulence, immunity, and vaccines
Official title: Early in vivo expressed antigens and their role in virulence, immune response, and vaccines for coccidioidomycosis
Funded at Northern Arizona University · NIH-11397288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project aims to understand which parasite features drive Valley Fever in animals and how this knowledge could lead to better vaccines and diagnostics for people.
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) | $195,488 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI166058-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for or affected by coccidioidomycosis, as well as communities facing higher incidence of Valley Fever.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not exposed to or affected by Valley Fever may derive no direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project studies how the fungus that causes Valley Fever behaves inside living hosts, using mouse models to examine virulence and immune responses. It combines genomic analyses, bioinformatics, and in vivo experiments to identify targets that could inform vaccines and new treatments. The goal is to connect what the fungus does in the body with practical strategies to prevent or treat infection in people who are at risk. Researchers plan to translate findings from animal studies into ideas for diagnostics and vaccines relevant to human disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to improved vaccines and diagnostic tools for Valley Fever, potentially reducing severe illness and healthcare costs for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showing specific fungal gene expression in infected tissue supports the approach, though direct human translation is still needed.
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.