Genetic risks for severe Valley fever
Human Genetic risk factors for Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis (DCM)
This project looks for inherited DNA differences that raise the chance of getting severe, spread-out Valley fever (disseminated coccidioidomycosis) in people who become infected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247126 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We're combining genetic data from over 600 existing genomes and exomes with new sequencing from more than 500 people who had Valley fever and matched controls. Researchers will compare DNA patterns across ancestry groups to find common and rare variants linked to infections that spread beyond the lungs. Large-scale computational analysis will prioritize likely risk variants, and laboratory follow-up will test how those variants affect immune responses to the fungus. The goal is to explain why some racial and ethnic groups have higher risk and to point toward tests or treatments that could help patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had coccidioidomycosis—especially those who developed severe or disseminated infections—or healthy community members willing to give DNA samples are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without a history of Valley fever or those unable or unwilling to provide a DNA sample are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable genetic risk tests and earlier, more targeted care for people at high risk of severe Valley fever.
How similar studies have performed: Past epidemiology and small genetic studies suggested racial and ethnic differences in severe disease but were underpowered, so this much larger genomic effort is novel in scale.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arboleda, Valerie a — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Arboleda, Valerie a
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.