HIV drugs may also stop a dangerous fungus from growing
Official title: HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitors also inhibit cryptococcal growth
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11470332 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cancer/antifungal researcher is exploring whether HIV medicines can help treat cryptococcal infections in people with HIV/AIDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $231,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI198010-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11470332 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with HIV/AIDS who are at risk for or have cryptococcal infection could benefit from these findings in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cryptococcal infection or without HIV may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at whether HIV integrase inhibitors, a class of HIV drugs, can directly harm Cryptococcus, a fungus that causes serious meningitis in people with HIV. Early lab results show these drugs can slow or stop the fungus in some tests and work well with existing antifungals. The study also tests these drugs in a mouse model to see if they reduce infection. If proven effective, this could broaden options for treating cryptococcal meningitis, especially in settings with limited access to standard therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with cryptococcal meningitis could have new or improved treatment options that work alongside current antifungals.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary lab data showed anti-cryptococcal activity of several HIV INSTIs and synergy with some antifungals, with continued improvement in animal models.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hole, Camaron Reynolds — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Hole, Camaron Reynolds
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.