Grant for research on resistant fungi Renewed approach using trained immunity

Researcher Jorge Domínguez Andrés from Radboud university medical center has received a grant from European initiative JPIAMR for research on resistant fungi. Domínguez Andrés will investigate whether trained immunity can contribute to new treatment methods for fungal infections in individuals with vulnerable health. 

Fungal infections are a serious global health issue, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. These infections cause over a million deaths each year. An increasing concern is that many fungi are becoming resistant to existing drugs, making treatment more challenging. The research focuses on strengthening natural defenses through 'trained immunity', enabling the immune system to more effectively combat fungal infections, including those that are drug-resistant. The project aims to discover new treatment methods that offer hope to high-risk groups. By harnessing trained immunity, they may transform the approach to fungal diseases, providing better protection for vulnerable populations and addressing the challenge of resistance. 

Domínguez Andrés receives an amount of 1.2 million euros for the SHIELD project, in which he collaborates with partners from Germany, Canada, and Australia.