New antifungal compounds targeting Candida albicans
Compounds that block a novel Candida albicans target
This study is looking for new medicines to fight Candida albicans, a fungus that can cause serious infections, by targeting a part of the fungus that doesn’t exist in our bodies, which helps keep patients safe from side effects and may make current treatments work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10596201 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new antifungal compounds that specifically target Candida albicans, a common cause of serious fungal infections. The approach involves identifying a unique drug target in the fungus that does not have a counterpart in human cells, which minimizes the risk of toxicity. By inhibiting this target, the researchers aim to enhance the effectiveness of existing antifungal drugs and reduce the likelihood of drug resistance. The study also explores how these inhibitors can affect the virulence of the fungus, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes for patients with invasive fungal infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with invasive fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida albicans.
Not a fit: Patients with fungal infections caused by non-Candida species or those who do not have invasive fungal infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective antifungal treatments with fewer side effects for patients suffering from serious fungal infections.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting unique fungal pathways, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although it is still relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koehler, Julia R — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Koehler, Julia R
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.