Understanding how immune cells respond to fungal infections
Official title: Characterization of Neutrophil Decision making during Swarming to Fungal Pathogens
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-10905979 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells called neutrophils work together to fight off fungal infections like Candida albicans, using a special device to see how they move and interact with the fungi, which could help us find better ways to boost our immune response when we're sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $108,000 |
| NIH project number | 5K22AI163399-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10905979 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with compromised immune systems who are at risk for invasive fungal infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fungal infections or those not at risk for fungal diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the behavior of neutrophils, a type of immune cell, as they swarm to combat fungal pathogens like Candida albicans. By developing a novel microscale device, researchers aim to observe and analyze how these cells interact with live fungi, which is crucial for understanding their role in fighting infections. The study focuses on the early events of neutrophil swarming, which may determine the success of the immune response. Insights gained could lead to new therapeutic strategies to enhance neutrophil function during infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for invasive fungal infections, potentially reducing mortality rates.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying neutrophil swarming in response to fungal pathogens is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to various infections.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hopke, Alex — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Hopke, Alex
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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.