How COVID-19 affects the body's ability to fight fungal infections
Official title: The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Immune Dysregulation on Antifungal Immunity
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10899560 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how serious COVID-19 can sometimes lead to fungal infections by exploring how the body's immune response might help the fungi grow while making it harder for the body to fight them off, and it’s aimed at helping patients who have had severe COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 4, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $735,994 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170719-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899560 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced severe COVID-19 infections and are at risk for secondary fungal infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had COVID-19 or those with mild cases that do not progress to severe illness may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how severe COVID-19 infections can lead to secondary fungal infections, particularly focusing on the immune responses that may inadvertently promote these infections. The study will analyze the mechanisms by which the immune system's reaction to the SARS-CoV-2 virus can result in increased availability of nutrients that support mold growth, while simultaneously impairing the body's ability to recruit immune cells that fight these infections. By examining lung tissues and biological samples from patients, the research aims to uncover the relationship between COVID-19 and fungal infections, potentially leading to better treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of fungal infections in patients recovering from COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been extensive research on COVID-19, this specific investigation into the immune dysregulation leading to fungal infections is novel and has not been previously explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leal, Sixto Manuel — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Leal, Sixto Manuel
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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.