How Cryptococcus neoformans survives inside immune cells
Host and fungal factors important for the cryptococcal intracellular niche
The team is learning how the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans and immune-cell factors let the fungus live inside macrophages, with the goal of helping people who get cryptococcal infections—especially those with weakened immune systems like AIDS patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323496 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research uses lab experiments to map the compartment (phagosome) that contains Cryptococcus inside macrophages and to see how it differs from normal digestion of microbes. Scientists will study both host proteins (like Rab GTPases and phosphoinositides) and fungal factors to identify what alters phagosome maturation. They will apply cellular and molecular tools such as cell culture, microscopy, and genetic approaches to follow what happens after macrophages engulf the fungus. Results may point to biological steps that drugs could target to stop the fungus from hiding inside immune cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant to this work are those who have or are at high risk for cryptococcal infection, such as people living with HIV/AIDS or others with weakened immune systems.
Not a fit: People without cryptococcal infections or those with unrelated health problems are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify targets for new treatments that prevent Cryptococcus from surviving inside immune cells and reduce deaths from cryptococcal disease.
How similar studies have performed: Cell-biology and genetic approaches have clarified intracellular survival for other pathogens, but applying these methods to Cryptococcus neoformans is relatively new and may uncover previously unknown mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Notre Dame, United States
- University of Notre Dame — Notre Dame, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santiago-Tirado, Felipe H — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Santiago-Tirado, Felipe H
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.