NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how fungi and bacteria interact during infections

Official title: Defining mechanisms of fungal-bacterial interactions during infection

Funded at Clemson University · NIH-11051797 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how two germs, Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, work together during infections in people with cystic fibrosis, to help us understand how they affect each other and change in patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionClemson University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Clemson, United States)
Project startMarch 7, 2024
Project endFebruary 28, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$100,000
NIH project number5K22AI174009-02
Project IDNIH-11051797 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cystic fibrosis who are experiencing infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Less likely to help

Patients without cystic fibrosis or those not infected with Aspergillus fumigatus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the interactions between the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus and the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, particularly in the context of cystic fibrosis (CF) infections. By using advanced techniques such as multi-omics approaches and reverse genetics, the study aims to uncover how these two organisms communicate and affect each other's physiology during infection. The research will also explore whether these interactions change in clinical isolates from CF patients, providing insights into the dynamics of polymicrobial infections.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with cystic fibrosis who are suffering from complex infections.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding microbial interactions in infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Clemson University
    Clemson, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Dolan, Stephen K — Clemson University
  • Study coordinator: Dolan, Stephen K

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.