Early-infection proteins and their role in Valley Fever's spread 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-11397279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies proteins made early in Valley Fever infection to understand how the disease progresses and to support vaccine development.
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) | $439,004 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI166058-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397279 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk for Valley Fever, or those interested in participating through future vaccine trials or related studies, could benefit from advances derived from this work.
✕Less likely to help
People currently without Valley Fever or at low risk may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Valley Fever is a growing health concern in the US, and this project focuses on proteins that are highly expressed when the fungus shifts from spores to active infection. By using animal models, including wax worms and mice, researchers will explore which proteins help the fungus cause disease and how the immune system recognizes them. The Animal Core will provide new models to test virulence and guide vaccine-related efforts. Findings could inform better vaccines and immune targets to prevent infection in people at risk. The work involves careful testing in ABSL3 facilities to ensure safety and relevance to human disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to more effective vaccines or immune-targeted strategies to prevent Valley Fever.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work using animal models has shown that early infection factors can influence virulence and immune responses, supporting the potential of this approach.
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.