Understanding how the immune system responds to Coccidioides infection

Immune regulation to Coccidioides infection

NIH-funded research University of California, Merced · NIH-10731031

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 typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, Merced NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Merced, United States)
Project IDNIH-10731031 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with Coccidioides infection or are at risk of developing Valley fever.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of Coccidioides infection or are not at risk for Valley fever may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Merced, 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.
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.