Vaccine to prevent cryptococcal meningitis in people with HIV
Cryptococcal vaccine development based on strong immunity induced by morphological strains
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA · NIH-11326225
A vaccine made from a harmless form of the Cryptococcus fungus to protect people with HIV/AIDS from cryptococcal meningitis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATHENS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11326225 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work aims to create a vaccine that uses a non-disease-causing form of the Cryptococcus fungus to train my immune system. Researchers discovered that fungal cells engineered to overproduce the ZNF2 factor become filamentous, are avirulent, and trigger strong, long-lasting protection in animal models. They are studying how those immune responses work and developing a vaccine approach based on those harmless fungal cells. Early results show protection even when CD4 T cells are missing, which is relevant for people living with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people living with HIV, especially those with low CD4 counts or at high risk for cryptococcal infection.
Not a fit: People without HIV or at low risk for cryptococcal exposure may not benefit, and vaccine safety in certain groups (for example, pregnant people) may be unknown.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this vaccine could prevent deadly cryptococcal meningitis and reduce deaths among people with advanced HIV/AIDS.
How similar studies have performed: Similar vaccine approaches have protected animals in laboratory studies, but no cryptococcal vaccine has yet been proven safe and effective in humans.
Where this research is happening
ATHENS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA — ATHENS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LIN, XIAORONG — UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
- Study coordinator: LIN, XIAORONG
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome