Understanding how a common fungus survives inside immune cells
Official title: Host and fungal factors important for the cryptococcal intracellular niche
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-11074620 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans manages to hide from immune cells that usually fight off infections, with the goal of finding better treatments for cryptococcal disease, which can be very serious.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $391,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177875-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074620 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cryptococcal infections, particularly those with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fungal infections other than cryptococcal infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans survives within macrophages, which are immune cells that typically destroy pathogens. By studying the interactions between the fungus and host cells, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that allow this pathogen to evade destruction. The project focuses on identifying specific cellular structures and processes that contribute to the fungus's ability to persist inside these immune cells. This knowledge could lead to the development of more effective treatments for cryptococcal disease, which currently has high mortality rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for cryptococcal infections, potentially reducing mortality rates significantly.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding other intracellular pathogens, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into cryptococcal infections as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santiago-Tirado, Felipe H — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Santiago-Tirado, Felipe H
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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.