Understanding how microbes and the immune system interact to improve treatments for infections.

BLRD Research Career Scientist Award Application

NIH-funded research Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11105837

This study is looking at how our immune system reacts to fungal infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems like many veterans, to find new ways to boost current treatments and help them fight off these infections better.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Health Administration NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11105837 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on the interactions between pathogens and the immune system, particularly in the context of invasive fungal infections. Dr. Olszewski's lab utilizes animal models to study how microbe-derived signals influence immune responses, aiming to develop new immunomodulatory therapies. These therapies could enhance the effectiveness of existing antifungal treatments, especially for immunocompromised patients, such as many veterans. The research is particularly relevant due to the high rates of fungal infections in this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include immunocompromised individuals, particularly veterans who are at higher risk for fungal infections.

Not a fit: Patients with non-fungal infections or those who are not immunocompromised may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for invasive fungal infections, reducing mortality rates among patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding host-pathogen interactions, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome VirusAcute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.