Understanding how the immune system responds to Coccidioides infection
Official title: Immune regulation to Coccidioides infection
Funded at University of California, Merced · NIH-10731031 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system reacts to Valley fever, a fungal infection, to find ways to improve diagnosis and treatment, and it’s using mice to help figure out how we can better manage this disease and develop vaccines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, Merced NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Merced, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $442,470 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI174173-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10731031 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with Coccidioides infection or are at risk of developing Valley fever.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of Coccidioides infection or are not at risk for Valley fever may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system, particularly regulatory T cells, responds to Coccidioides infection, which causes Valley fever. By studying the biological factors that influence the severity of symptoms and complications, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could improve diagnosis and treatment options. The team will use mouse models to manipulate immune responses and gather insights that could lead to better management of this fungal disease. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance our understanding of immune responses to Coccidioides and support the development of effective vaccines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis, treatment, and vaccine development for Valley fever, benefiting patients significantly.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to fungal infections, but this specific approach to Coccidioides is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, Merced
Merced, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoyer, Katrina K — University of California, Merced
- Study coordinator: Hoyer, Katrina K
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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.