Using tiny antibody-like tools to remove key Aspergillus fumigatus proteins
Nanobody-mediated proteolysis of Aspergillus fumigatus transcription factors in vitro and in vivo
This project uses small antibody-like molecules to remove important fungal proteins from Aspergillus fumigatus to help researchers find weak spots that could one day help people at risk of invasive aspergillosis.
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 ID | NIH-11291327 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are building a lab tool that uses nanobodies (very small antibody fragments) fused to a cellular 'trash' signal to trigger destruction of specific Aspergillus fumigatus proteins in the lab and in animals. They will attach a fluorescent tag to eight important fungal transcription factors so the nanobody system can selectively remove those proteins when doxycycline is given. By turning protein removal on and off, the team will watch how loss of each protein changes the fungus's ability to grow, cause disease, and resist azole drugs. The goal is to identify fungal proteins that are essential for infection and drug resistance, which could point to future treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at high risk for invasive aspergillosis—such as organ transplant recipients, people on chemotherapy, or those on long-term immunosuppression—are the group most likely to benefit from related future clinical work.
Not a fit: People with unrelated fungal infections or with mild, noninvasive Aspergillus colonization are unlikely to benefit directly from this laboratory-focused grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify fungal proteins essential for infection and drug resistance and guide development of new antifungal treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Related nanobody-directed degradation approaches have shown early proof-of-concept in laboratory systems, but applying them to Aspergillus virulence factors is a novel application.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- 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 below.