How a fungal pathogen affects immune cell behavior
Official title: Manipulation of macrophage polarization by a fungal meningitis pathogen
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11086631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans tricks our immune cells to help it survive and cause meningitis, with the goal of finding new ways to treat infections for people who are affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 23, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,285,692 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AI165541-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with fungal meningitis, particularly those with compromised immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fungal infections or those without immune system involvement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans manipulates immune cells, particularly macrophages, to enhance its survival and cause meningitis. The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which this pathogen induces a type 2 immune response, which can make infections more severe. By examining the interactions between the fungus and various immune cells in the lungs, researchers aim to identify specific proteins that could be targeted for therapeutic interventions. The approach includes both in vitro experiments with immune cells and in vivo studies in animal models to assess the immune response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the immune response against fungal infections, potentially improving outcomes for patients with fungal meningitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in manipulating immune responses to combat infections, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Madhani, Hiten D — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Madhani, Hiten D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Personalized Immunomodulatory Therapy for HIV-related Cryptococcal Meningitis
A patient-focused study investigates a personalized treatment approach to improve outcomes for people with HIV who develop cryptococcal meningitis.
-
Improving Diagnostics and Neurocognitive Outcomes in HIV/AIDS-related Meningitis
A study in Uganda aims to use faster, better tests and a new antifungal to help people with HIV who develop meningitis.
-
TB meningitis diagnostic test compare and cost study in sub-Saharan Africa
Researchers are testing a new CSF urine-based test (SILVAMP TB LAM) to improve diagnosis of TB meningitis in people with HIV, to help speed treatment and reduce death in Sub-Saharan Africa.
-
Minimally Invasive Sampling to Improve HIV-Associated M meningitis Diagnosis in Africa
A research study is testing easier, less invasive ways to diagnose meningitis in people living with HIV, with a focus on making diagnosis faster and more accurate in Africa and the US.
-
Understanding brain injury in kids with tuberculous meningitis (iThemba)
A study in children with TB meningitis in South Africa will look at how inflammation and blood-clotting factors relate to brain injury and infarcts.
-
Serological clues to survival in HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis
This grant looks for antibody signals in the blood that could predict who survives cryptococcal meningitis in people with HIV.
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.