Early infection proteins and vaccine development for Valley fever
Early in vivo expressed antigens and their role in virulence, immune response, and vaccines for coccidioidomycosis
Researchers are finding proteins the Valley fever fungus makes early in infection to help create better vaccines and immune protections for people at risk.
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 ID | NIH-11393487 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This multi-institutional center is identifying fungal proteins produced early in Valley fever infections and studying how they affect disease severity and the immune response. Teams use laboratory experiments, animal and primate models, and partnerships with clinical centers to test which antigens trigger protective immunity. Promising antigens will be developed into vaccine candidates and immune tests. The work is coordinated across universities and medical centers in Arizona and nearby regions to move findings toward human use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who live in or travel to Valley fever–endemic areas, or those with a history of coccidioidomycosis who are willing to provide samples or join future trials, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with no exposure risk to Valley fever or who cannot meet trial eligibility or travel requirements are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could produce vaccines or immune-based tools that prevent or reduce severe Valley fever for people in high-risk areas.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and animal studies have identified potential vaccine targets for Valley fever but there is not yet a licensed human vaccine, so this work builds on promising preclinical findings.
Where this research is happening
Flagstaff, United States
- 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 below.