Using anti-CXCR3 antibodies to reduce brain inflammation caused by fungal infections

Offsetting CNS inflammatory damage with anti-CXCR3 antibody immunotherapy

NIH-funded research Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11013785

This study is looking at a new treatment using an antibody to help protect brain cells from damage caused by a fungal infection, aiming to improve recovery for people with serious brain infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Health Administration NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11013785 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of anti-CXCR3 antibody therapy to protect neurons from inflammatory damage caused by the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, which can lead to severe brain infections. The study aims to validate preliminary findings from animal models that suggest this therapy could significantly reduce inflammation and improve outcomes for patients suffering from central nervous system infections. By targeting specific immune responses that contribute to brain damage, the research seeks to develop a new treatment approach for affected individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals, particularly veterans, who are at risk of or have experienced central nervous system infections due to Cryptococcus neoformans.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have fungal infections or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel therapy that reduces brain inflammation and improves recovery for patients with fungal infections.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using anti-CXCR3 antibodies has shown promise in animal models, it is still considered novel and has not yet been tested in human clinical trials.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
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.