Proteins made early in Valley fever infection and how they affect disease and vaccines
Official title: Early in vivo expressed antigens and their role in virulence, immune response, and vaccines for coccidioidomycosis
Funded at Northern Arizona University · NIH-11393488 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are finding the proteins Valley fever fungi make right after they infect the lungs to help create better tests and vaccines for people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern Arizona University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Flagstaff, United States) |
| Project start | August 24, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $272,719 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI166058-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393488 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who live in or travel to areas where Valley fever is common, or who have had Valley fever, would be likely candidates for future vaccine or diagnostic studies arising from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unrelated medical conditions or those not exposed to Valley fever are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this early-stage laboratory research.
What this research studies
This project examines which fungal genes are turned on early during lung infection, focusing on proteins (antigens) produced soon after exposure. Scientists use mouse infection models, transcriptional analysis, and bioinformatics to identify proteins that trigger immune responses or influence virulence. Promising antigens will be tested in animals with adjuvants to see if they reduce disease or work as vaccine components. The goal is to provide data that can guide new diagnostics, treatments, and future human vaccine trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to earlier, more accurate tests and new vaccines that prevent or reduce severe Valley fever.
How similar studies have gone: Some prior animal studies have shown promising vaccine targets against Coccidioides, but there is not yet a licensed human vaccine and much of this work is advancing novel antigen leads.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barker, Bridget Marie — Northern Arizona University
- Study coordinator: Barker, Bridget Marie
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.