How Cryptococcus fungus damages the brain in people with advanced HIV
Mechanisms underlying Cryptococcus neoformans-induced meningoencephalitis and neurotoxicity in a CD4 T cell-deficient mouse
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11239819
This work looks at how a common fungus and its capsule molecule harm the brain in people with weakened CD4 T cell immunity, such as advanced HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11239819 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use a mouse model that mimics low CD4 T cell immunity and examine human post-mortem brain samples to find how Cryptococcus neoformans and its capsule component glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) interact with brain cells. In the lab they track whether GXM binds neurons, alters calcium signaling and synaptic activity, and prompts reactive astrocytes while impairing microglial movement. Techniques include cellular imaging, molecular assays, and comparison of mouse and human tissue findings to link fungal factors to neuronal and cognitive damage. The goal is to map the cellular pathways by which the fungus causes meningoencephalitis and neurotoxicity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced HIV or a history of cryptococcal meningitis, and families willing to donate brain tissue for research, would be the most relevant to contribute to this work.
Not a fit: Patients without cryptococcal infection or those seeking immediate clinical treatments should not expect direct or immediate benefit from this basic and preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could reveal targets for therapies that protect the brain or limit neurologic damage from cryptococcal meningitis in people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown that GXM affects immune cells and can promote brain invasion, but translating those findings into protective treatments has been limited so far.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MARTINEZ, LUIS R — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: MARTINEZ, LUIS R
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 below.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus