Using nanobodies to control fungal proteins that cause infections
Official title: Nanobody-mediated proteolysis of Aspergillus fumigatus transcription factors in vitro and in vivo
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11117626 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help fight infections caused by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, which can be serious for people with weakened immune systems, by using a special antibody to control the proteins that help the fungus thrive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | February 24, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,749 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI190747-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117626 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are immunocompromised due to conditions such as organ transplants, cancer, or viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy immune systems or those not at risk for Aspergillus infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel method to control the activity of proteins in the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, which is a significant cause of infections in immunocompromised patients. By using a special type of antibody called a nanobody, the researchers aim to trigger the breakdown of specific proteins that are crucial for the fungus's ability to cause disease. This approach involves a system that can be activated by a medication, allowing precise control over the protein levels in the fungus. The ultimate goal is to better understand how this fungus operates and to develop new strategies to combat infections it causes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients at risk of serious fungal infections.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar strategies using targeted protein degradation have shown promise in other areas of research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moye-Rowley, W Scott — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Moye-Rowley, W Scott
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.