Investigating a new model for studying Pneumocystis pneumonia
Official title: In vitro PCLS models of Pneumocystis
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11100010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a new way to look at Pneumocystis pneumonia, a serious lung infection that mainly affects babies and people with weakened immune systems, so researchers can learn how the fungus grows and test different antifungal treatments to find better ways to help those who are sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $179,105 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI182432-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11100010 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children under 11 years old who are at risk for Pneumocystis pneumonia, particularly those who are immunocompromised.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not immunocompromised and do not have a history of Pneumocystis pneumonia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new laboratory model using precision cut lung slices (PCLS) to study Pneumocystis pneumonia, a serious fungal infection primarily affecting infants and immunocompromised individuals. The researchers aim to refine this model to better understand how the fungus survives and grows, as well as to test the effectiveness of various antifungal treatments. By observing the fungus in a more natural lung environment, they hope to gather important information about its life cycle and how it interacts with immune cells. This could lead to improved strategies for treating this challenging infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment options for Pneumocystis pneumonia, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While research on Pneumocystis pneumonia has faced challenges, the use of similar in vitro models has shown promise in other studies, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kolls, Jay K — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Kolls, Jay K
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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.