Targeting Hsp90 in cryptococcal fungal disease
Official title: Targeting Hsp90 in cryptococcal fungal pathogenesis
Funded at University of Toronto · NIH-11369645 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-centered look at a study that aims to weaken a fungal pathogen (Cryptococcus) by disabling a protein (Hsp90) to make antifungal drugs work better.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $650,345 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI165466-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369645 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cryptococcal infections or with weakened immune systems at risk for these infections could potentially benefit from future therapies arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
This research is primarily preclinical and may not directly impact patients in the short term.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a dangerous fungal infection called cryptococcal meningitis, which can be deadly if not treated. Researchers will explore how blocking Hsp90 helps existing antifungal medicines work more effectively and counter drug resistance. The work uses lab models and may inform future therapies that are easier on patients while fighting the fungus more reliably. If successful, these findings could lead to new treatment options for people living with cryptococcal infections, including those with AIDS or compromised immune systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with cryptococcal infections could receive more effective treatments with fewer resistant infections.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that targeting Hsp90 can enhance antifungal drug efficacy in fungi, supporting potential benefits in humans.
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.