Understanding how a fungus adapts to stress in the human body
Official title: Coordinated responses to host-derived stresses in C. neoformans
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11009537 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans reacts to the stress from the immune systems of people with weakened defenses, like those with AIDS or undergoing cancer treatment, to find ways to help improve their treatment outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $382,111 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175711-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009537 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those living with AIDS or undergoing aggressive cancer therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy immune systems or those not at risk for fungal infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans responds to stress from the human immune system, particularly in patients with weakened immune defenses such as those with AIDS or undergoing cancer treatment. The study focuses on specific signaling pathways that the fungus uses to adapt and survive in the host environment. By employing advanced techniques like transcriptomics and proteomics, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that allow the fungus to thrive despite antifungal treatments. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for targeting these adaptations to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting microbial adaptations in similar contexts, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alspaugh, Andrew — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Alspaugh, Andrew
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.