How the Valley fever fungus interacts with the immune system
Molecules and Pathways at the Coccidioides Host-Pathogen Interface
Researchers are comparing samples from people and lab models to find fungal and immune system molecules that explain why some people get chronic or spreading Valley fever.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257660 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This center combines clinical samples from people in California with lab models (macrophages and mice) to study how the Coccidioides fungus and the human immune system talk to each other. Teams will profile fungal molecules, host cells, and metabolites and then integrate those data to find patterns linked to disease severity and spread. The project will test whether specific fungal antigens or host biomarkers could help diagnose Valley fever more accurately. Findings will be used to point to new molecular targets that might lead to better antifungal treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People in or near Valley fever endemic areas (for example California) with confirmed or suspected coccidioidomycosis, especially those with chronic or disseminated infection, are the most likely candidates to contribute samples or join related studies.
Not a fit: People without Coccidioides infection or those with a single, mild, self-limited Valley fever episode are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to earlier or more accurate diagnostics and new targets for treatments to prevent or treat chronic and disseminated Valley fever.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have identified some immune signals and candidate antigens in Valley fever, but this integrated, patient-linked center approach is broader and seeks to translate molecular findings into diagnostics and drug targets.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sil, Anita — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Sil, Anita
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.