Investigating how immune cells affect fungal infections in the eye
Official title: The role of monocytes and neutrophils in fungal keratitis
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10945201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells work together to fight fungal infections in the eye, which can cause serious problems like blindness, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with this condition feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $541,539 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036478-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10945201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from fungal keratitis, particularly those caused by Aspergillus or Candida species.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with keratitis caused by non-fungal pathogens or those without active infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the roles of monocytes and neutrophils in fungal keratitis, a condition that can lead to blindness. Using advanced mouse models, the study will explore how the depletion of monocytes impacts the ability of neutrophils to fight fungal infections in the cornea. The researchers will utilize techniques such as multi-photon microscopy and single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze immune cell behavior and interactions during infection. By identifying specific immune responses, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for improving treatment outcomes in patients with fungal keratitis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for fungal keratitis, potentially reducing the risk of blindness in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in fungal infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pearlman, Eric — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Pearlman, Eric
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.