Understanding immune responses to a fungal infection linked to AIDS
Official title: Continuum of Immune Responses to Cryptococcus neoformans
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11054595 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system fights off a fungus that can cause meningitis in people with HIV/AIDS, using mice to understand how different infections can affect health, with the hope of finding better treatments for those who get sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | April 6, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $765,843 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176922-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054595 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV/AIDS who may be at risk for opportunistic infections, particularly cryptococcal meningitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV/AIDS or those who are not at risk for opportunistic infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system responds to the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, which is a significant cause of meningitis in individuals with HIV/AIDS. By using mouse models that mimic human disease, the researchers aim to explore different outcomes of infection, ranging from latent infections that the body can control to severe, lethal disease. The study will analyze immune responses to various strains of the fungus to identify factors that influence disease progression and patient survival. This knowledge could lead to improved treatment strategies for those affected by this opportunistic infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management and treatment options for patients with HIV/AIDS who are at risk of cryptococcal meningitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in understanding immune responses to similar pathogens, but this specific approach using diverse clinical isolates is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nielsen, Kirsten — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Nielsen, Kirsten
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.