Understanding immune responses to Aspergillus in patients with low neutrophil counts
Official title: Adaptive immunity to Aspergillus during neutropenia
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10949011 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system fights off Aspergillus infections in people with neutropenia, a condition where the body has low levels of infection-fighting cells, to find ways to improve treatments for those affected by serious lung infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $119,082 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HL174811-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949011 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neutropenia or neutrophil defects who are at risk for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal neutrophil counts or those not at risk for Aspergillus infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system responds to Aspergillus infections in individuals with neutropenia, a condition characterized by low levels of neutrophils, which are crucial for fighting infections. The study focuses on the role of neutrophils in shaping adaptive immunity, particularly the production of IL-17A by CD4+ T cells, which may help protect against future infections. By examining the immune responses in animal models, the researchers aim to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for patients suffering from invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating life-threatening Aspergillus infections in vulnerable patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in similar contexts can lead to significant advancements in treatment options, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cagnina, Rebecca Elaine — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Cagnina, Rebecca Elaine
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry for Patients
A patient-facing registry that tracks severe chronic low neutrophil counts to improve understanding and care for people with this condition.
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Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry to Improve Care
A patient-focused registry gathers information from adults with severe chronic neutropenia to better understand infections, treatments, and outcomes over time.
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Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry: Finding Better Ways to Prevent Infections
A patient-focused registry at a leading hospital helps people with severe chronic neutropenia learn how the condition progresses and how treatments work over time.
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Stimulant that grows donor stem cells in the body to speed neutropenia recovery after chemotherapy and stem cell transplant
A drug given during or right before stem cell transplant helps donor stem cells multiply quickly inside the patient to shorten neutropenia after treatment.
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Stimulant to grow stem cells in the body to speed recovery after chemotherapy and stem cell transplant
A new drug given briefly before transplant aims to help patients recover their blood and immune system faster after chemotherapy or stem cell transplant.
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PointCheck: a home-based, non-invasive neutropenia monitor for chemotherapy patients
A portable, non-invasive device helps cancer patients on chemotherapy monitor neutropenia from home so doctors can prevent serious infections.
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.