Understanding how aging affects a brain infection caused by a fungus in AIDS patients
Official title: Host-Pathogen Dynamics in Microglia during C. neoformans and HIV Co-infection
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11084773 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how older Cryptococcus neoformans fungus behaves during infections in people with AIDS, focusing on how it interacts with brain immune cells, to help us understand why these older cells might make the illness worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | November 12, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $232,073 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI186688-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084773 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with AIDS who are experiencing or at risk for chronic meningoencephalitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without AIDS or those not affected by chronic brain infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the aging of the Cryptococcus neoformans fungus impacts its behavior during infections in patients with AIDS. It focuses on the interaction between this fungus and microglial cells, which are immune cells in the brain. By analyzing cerebrospinal fluid from AIDS patients, the study aims to understand how older fungal cells survive better and contribute to disease progression. The research employs techniques to assess the lifespan and resistance of these aged cells, providing insights into their role in chronic meningoencephalitis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for chronic brain infections in AIDS patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding host-pathogen interactions can lead to significant advancements in treating infections, suggesting this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fries, Bettina — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Fries, Bettina
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.