How a fungus interacts with immune cells in the brain
Official title: Interactions of Cryptococcus neoformans with mononuclear phagocytes in the brain
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10766275 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans affects the brain's immune cells, especially in people with weakened immune systems like those with HIV/AIDS, to find new ways to help prevent or treat infections caused by this fungus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | January 19, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,190 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173611-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10766275 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, who are at risk for cryptococcal infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy immune systems or those not at risk for cryptococcal infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans interacts with immune cells in the brain after it crosses the blood-brain barrier. The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which the fungus invades the brain and how it evades the immune response, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS. By using genetically engineered strains of the fungus, researchers aim to uncover the strategies employed by the fungus to survive and replicate in the brain. This knowledge could lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches to prevent or treat cryptococcal infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cryptococcal infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding fungal pathogenesis and immune interactions, but this specific approach is novel and aims to fill gaps in current knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shi, Meiqing — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Shi, Meiqing
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.