Improving treatment for severe fungal infections caused by Aspergillus.
Official title: Interrogation of SidB-dependent septation for echinocandin potentiation in invasive aspergillosis treatment
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11162666 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make antifungal medications work better for people with a serious lung infection caused by a fungus, by understanding a specific protein that helps the fungus resist treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $40,396 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI191701-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162666 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, particularly those who have not responded well to current antifungal treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-invasive forms of aspergillosis or those who do not have a confirmed diagnosis of Aspergillus infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of echinocandin antifungal drugs against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), a life-threatening infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. The study investigates the role of a specific protein kinase, SidB, which is crucial for the fungus's ability to resist treatment and invade lung tissue. By understanding how this kinase functions, the research aims to develop strategies that could make echinocandins more effective, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients suffering from this severe infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, reducing mortality rates associated with this infection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing antifungal efficacy through targeted approaches, suggesting that this line of investigation could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thorn, Harrison Ignatz — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Thorn, Harrison Ignatz
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.