New Ways to Fight Cryptococcal Fungal Infections
Official title: Targeting Hsp90 in cryptococcal fungal pathogenesis
Funded at University of Toronto · NIH-11127610 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks for new ways to treat serious fungal infections, like cryptococcal meningitis, by focusing on a specific protein in the fungus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toronto NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toronto, Canada) |
| Project start | July 21, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $650,345 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI165466-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127610 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is most relevant for patients suffering from severe fungal infections, such as cryptococcal meningitis, especially those with weakened immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without severe fungal infections, particularly those caused by Cryptococcus, would not directly benefit from this specific treatment approach.
What this research studies
Fungal infections, especially cryptococcal meningitis, are a serious health threat, particularly for people with weakened immune systems, and current treatments often struggle with resistance or side effects. This project aims to find new ways to fight these infections by focusing on a crucial protein within the fungus called Hsp90. Researchers believe that by targeting fungal Hsp90, they can make existing antifungal drugs work better and prevent the fungus from developing resistance. The goal is to develop safer and more effective treatments to save lives from these dangerous infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, more effective, and safer treatments for life-threatening fungal infections, particularly cryptococcal meningitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that targeting the Hsp90 protein in fungi is a promising strategy to improve antifungal drug effectiveness and overcome resistance.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Toronto
Toronto, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cowen, Leah Elizabeth — University of Toronto
- Study coordinator: Cowen, Leah Elizabeth
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.