Understanding the Body's Defense Against a Serious Fungal Infection
INITIATION OF THE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO ASPERGILLUS FUMIGATUS
This work explores how our immune system first fights off a common and dangerous fungal infection called aspergillosis, especially in people with weakened immunity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126068 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Invasive aspergillosis is a severe fungal lung infection that affects many people, particularly those with weakened immune systems due to conditions like cancer or organ transplants. Our bodies normally have a strong defense against the fungal spores we breathe in daily, but this defense can fail in vulnerable patients. This project looks closely at how specific immune cells, like neutrophils and monocytes, recognize and destroy the fungus. We are learning about the crucial steps these cells take to protect us, which could lead to new ways to boost immunity against this infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to patients with weakened immune systems, such as those with blood cancers, bone marrow or lung transplant recipients, and critically ill patients, who are at high risk for invasive aspergillosis.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for invasive aspergillosis or who have healthy immune systems may not directly benefit from this specific research focus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new immune-based treatments or adjunctive therapies to better protect vulnerable patients from severe fungal infections and improve survival rates.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of immune cells exploiting regulated cell death in fungi is novel, previous studies have highlighted the critical role of innate immunity in controlling fungal infections.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hohl, Tobias M — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Hohl, Tobias M
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 below.