Award
NIH Reporter #5F31AI181528-03
Assessing the role of SP140 in enhanced resistance to Cryptococcus neoformans
Recipient
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Award Amount
$50,114.00
Ceiling
$50,114.00
Awarded
July 24, 2026
Identifier
5F31AI181528-03
Research project funded by NIAID to study the role of SP140 gene in resistance to Cryptococcus neoformans infection, focusing on immune response and granuloma formation in a mouse model.
Description
The project focuses on the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn), responsible for 20% of global HIV-related mortality, causing cryptococcal meningitis (CM). The research aims to develop a mouse model that mimics human necrotic granulomas seen in Cn infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals such as those with HIV/AIDS. The study hypothesizes that deficiencies in the immune regulatory gene Sp140 contribute to necrotic granuloma formation and increased resistance to Cn. The research involves evaluating the role of Sp140 deficiency in immune response, analyzing histological and transcriptional profiles of granulomas, and understanding mechanisms of granuloma breakdown during HIV coinfection.