Septin proteins and how the fungus Cryptococcus adapts to human body temperature
Official title: The role of septins in the adaptation of Cryptococcus neoformans to host temperature in HIV-based cryptococcosis
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-11397419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers explore how the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans changes at body temperature, which may help prevent deadly infections in people with HIV/AIDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $376,575 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI167692-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397419 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with HIV/AIDS who are at risk for or have cryptococcal infection may benefit from future therapies informed by this research.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without cryptococcal infection or HIV/AIDS are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic science research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how Cryptococcus neoformans senses and responds to the warmer environment inside a human host. By studying septin proteins and their role in membrane signaling, scientists aim to uncover steps the fungus uses to become more harmful at body temperature. The work involves lab experiments with fungal cells and model systems to map the pathways that drive pathogenic changes. Findings could point to new targets for safer, more effective treatments for cryptococcosis in HIV/AIDS patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal novel targets for therapies that limit the fungus’s ability to cause disease in people with HIV/AIDS.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests septins are important in fungal adaptation, but this specific mechanism in Cryptococcus at host temperature is being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kozubowski, Lukasz — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Kozubowski, Lukasz
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.