How immune cells fight fungal infections of the cornea
The role of monocytes and neutrophils in fungal keratitis
This project looks at how two immune cell types, monocytes and neutrophils, help the eye fight fungal corneal infections to inform better care for people with these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11189770 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use mouse models that mimic fungal infections of the cornea to watch how immune cells behave during infection. They will use new reporter mice and live imaging to see when neutrophils become active and whether removing monocytes makes infections worse. The team will study a special neutrophil marker called ICAM-1 and test whether blocking the Hv1 proton channel or altering inflammatory pore-forming proteins (GSDMD and GSDME) changes fungal killing. Results could point to drug targets or immune-focused approaches for Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Candida corneal infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with fungal keratitis caused by Fusarium, Aspergillus, or Candida would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical studies or future trials.
Not a fit: People without fungal corneal infections or whose vision loss is from unrelated eye conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new ways to boost the eye's immune response or new drug targets to reduce vision loss from fungal corneal infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies and the team's preliminary mouse data show immune cells shape fungal keratitis outcomes, but testing Hv1 blockers and gasdermin-related mechanisms in this setting is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pearlman, Eric — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Pearlman, Eric
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.