SHIELDing life: enhancing trained immunity against fungal threats

SHIELD

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. 

Aim

This research project focuses on strengthening natural defences 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.

Expected results

Harnessing trained immunity may transform the approach to fungal diseases, providing better protection for vulnerable populations and addressing the challenge of resistance.