Understanding Fungal Toxins and How They Cause Mucormycosis
Novel Toxins and Receptors in Mucormycosis Pathogenesis and Treatment
This research explores how a dangerous fungus called Mucorales causes severe infections like mucormycosis, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Torrance, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118976 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Mucormycosis is a life-threatening fungal infection that often affects people with conditions like diabetes or those using corticosteroids. Despite aggressive treatments, many patients do not survive, highlighting the urgent need for new approaches. This project aims to uncover how the fungus invades the body's cells, specifically focusing on how it enters lung cells and blood vessels. By understanding the specific ways the fungus interacts with our cells, we hope to find new targets for preventing and treating this devastating infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients who have mucormycosis or are at high risk due to conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis, neutropenia, or corticosteroid use.
Not a fit: Healthy individuals without risk factors for mucormycosis would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent and treat mucormycosis, potentially saving lives and reducing the need for disfiguring surgeries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has identified key fungal proteins and human cell receptors involved in the initial stages of infection, providing a strong foundation for this new exploration.
Where this research is happening
Torrance, United States
- Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center — Torrance, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ibrahim, Ashraf S. — Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ibrahim, Ashraf S.
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.