Immunomodulation to treat and prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia in people with AIDS or weakened immune systems
Official title: Immunomodulation for the Treatment and Prophylaxis of Fungal Infection
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11443193 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores a drug already approved for other uses to help people with AIDS or similar conditions fight Pneumocystis pneumonia more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 19, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $634,882 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI201741-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11443193 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with AIDS or other conditions causing immune suppression who develop or are at risk for Pneumocystis pneumonia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not at risk for PCP or those without immune suppression may not benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
If funded, researchers at the University of Rochester will study how an existing immunomodulatory medicine, sulfasalazine, can speed fungal clearance and reduce lung damage in Pneumocystis pneumonia using mouse models and human-relevant data. The work aims to translate findings into better treatment and prevention strategies for people living with AIDS or other immune-compromised conditions who are at risk for PCP. The project will examine how SSZ changes the immune response and fungal control during PCP and may inform new clinical approaches when current therapies fail or are limited by resistance. By focusing on the immune–fungus interaction, the study seeks to improve outcomes and shorten recovery for patients with PCP.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with PCP could experience faster recovery, fewer complications, and better survival.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data and retrospective studies suggest sulfasalazine can improve PCP outcomes in models and early clinical context, but further confirmation is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wright, Terry W — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Wright, Terry W
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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.