Improving the body's defense against cryptococcal infection
DAP12 and the host response to cryptococcosis
This project looks at how a specific protein, DAP12, affects the body's ability to fight off a serious fungal infection called cryptococcosis, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124219 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Cryptococcosis is a dangerous fungal infection, particularly for those with weakened immune systems like people with HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, or cancer. Even with current treatments, many patients still face severe illness or death. We know that the fungus can trick the body's immune cells, called monocytes, into helping it spread rather than fighting it off. This project explores how a protein called DAP12 might be involved in weakening the immune response to this fungus. By understanding DAP12's role, we hope to find new ways to help your body better fight this infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly recruit patients, but future studies stemming from this work would likely focus on immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, or cancer patients, who are at high risk for cryptococcosis.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for cryptococcosis or who have healthy immune systems would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that strengthen the immune system's ability to clear cryptococcal infections, potentially reducing severe illness and death.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on new discoveries about how the fungus suppresses immune responses and the role of DAP12, suggesting a novel approach to understanding and treating cryptococcosis.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heung, Lena J — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Heung, Lena J
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.