Understanding how a fungus responds to the antifungal drug caspofungin
Official title: Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of septin-dependent drug response to the antifungal caspofungin in the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10879480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common fungus called Aspergillus fumigatus reacts to a medicine called caspofungin, focusing on certain proteins that might help the fungus resist treatment, with the goal of finding better ways to help patients with serious infections caused by this fungus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $435,577 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI165656-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10879480 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are immunocompromised patients who are at risk of or currently suffering from invasive aspergillosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fungal infections or those who are not immunocompromised may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms by which the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus responds to the antifungal drug caspofungin. The study focuses on a group of proteins called septins, which are believed to play a crucial role in how the fungus reacts to treatment. By exploring how these proteins interact and contribute to the fungus's resistance, the research aims to improve the effectiveness of caspofungin, especially for patients with invasive aspergillosis. The findings could lead to better treatment strategies for those affected by this serious infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of caspofungin treatment for patients suffering from invasive aspergillosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the molecular responses of fungi to antifungal treatments can lead to significant improvements in treatment outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vargas-Muniz, Jose — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Vargas-Muniz, Jose
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.