Growing Pneumocystis fungi in lab conditions
Official title: Alveolar organoids and metabolomic-driven cultivation of Pneumocystis species
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11023626 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on ways to grow Pneumocystis fungi in the lab to learn more about how they cause pneumonia in people with weak immune systems, so we can find better ways to treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $344,534 |
| NIH project number | 1R61AI187113-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023626 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS or undergoing immunosuppressive therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy immune systems or those not at risk for Pneumocystis infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop methods for growing Pneumocystis fungi, which can cause severe pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems, outside of their natural lung environment. The team will use advanced techniques to identify the essential nutrients these fungi need and create lab-grown lung-like structures called organoids to replicate their natural habitat. By establishing these growth systems, the research hopes to better understand how Pneumocystis functions and how to combat infections it causes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis in immunocompromised patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using organoids and metabolomics is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other areas of fungal research, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smulian, Alan George — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Smulian, Alan George
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.