Investigating a component from fungal vesicles to control cryptococcosis.
Official title: An extracellular vesicle component as a candidate to control cryptococcosis.
Funded at Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz · NIH-11125744 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special molecule called IPI might help fight cryptococcosis, a serious fungal infection that mainly affects people with weakened immune systems, to find better ways to treat this condition and improve patient care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL) |
| Project start | March 21, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $130,212 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI183314-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125744 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are immunocompromised individuals at risk of developing cryptococcosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy immune systems or those not at risk for fungal infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific component from extracellular vesicles can help control cryptococcosis, a serious fungal infection that primarily affects immunocompromised individuals. The study will explore the role of a small molecule called isoleucine-proline-isoleucine (IPI), which has shown promise in inhibiting the growth of the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. By examining how IPI interacts with the immune system and the fungus, researchers aim to develop new strategies for treating this life-threatening condition. The approach includes laboratory experiments and potential applications in clinical settings to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce mortality from cryptococcosis in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: While research on extracellular vesicles in fungal infections is emerging, the specific approach of using IPI to control cryptococcosis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodrigues, Marcio Lourenco — Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz
- Study coordinator: Rodrigues, Marcio Lourenco
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.