Understanding the antibody response to Cryptococcus in people with HIV who have meningitis
Official title: The human antibody response to Cryptococcus neoformans and survival in HIV-associated cryptococcal meningoencephalitis
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11470480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in adults with HIV-related cryptococcal meningoencephalitis will look at antibodies in blood that may help control this serious fungal infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $743,148 |
| NIH project number | 1R37AI198014-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11470480 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with HIV who have cryptococcal meningitis or related infections and who can provide consent and blood samples.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not meeting the specific infection or treatment criteria or unable to provide samples may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will explore how antibodies in the blood of people with HIV respond to Cryptococcus neoformans during meningitis, aiming to find clues about protection and recovery. Researchers will analyze patient samples to see which antibody types are linked to better outcomes and how these antibodies interact with fungal components. The findings could point to new therapies or ways to predict who will respond to treatment. Participation would involve providing samples and health information within the hospital setting under study protocols.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to antibody-based strategies or biomarkers to improve treatment and prognosis for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows antibodies can interact with Cryptococcus components, but this study seeks to link specific antibodies with disease outcomes in HIV-associated CM.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pirofski, Liise-Anne — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Pirofski, Liise-Anne
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.