Avaliation of cellular immune response in patients with sporothrocosis

• Grant number: 25/12147-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Sandro Rogerio de Almeida
• Grantee: Amanda Ribeiro dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/11944-9 - Ssporotrichosis and Chromoblastomycosis: development of vaccines based on immunogenic peptides and determination of immunological markers of protection, AP.TEM

Abstract

Fungal infections are a serious threat to global health. In a context where access to quality diagnostics is limited, combined with a lack of public and healthcare professional awareness about fungal pathogens, fungal diseases are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late. For those that are diagnosed, the limited number of antifungal drugs and the growing concern over antifungal resistance represent further challenges. In addition, current theories suggest that climate and environmental changes are influencing the emergence and spread of fungal diseases in the environment, highlighting the need for a holistic One Health approach. In this context, zoonotic sporotrichosis-an emerging fungal disease-has become a public health problem in Brazil. Despite advances in knowledge about the fungus's biology, antifungal susceptibility, and its epidemiology, in-depth studies characterizing the host immune response to infection remain scarce. Understanding the immunological mechanisms involved in sporotrichosis is essential to elucidate the disease's pathogenesis, identify potential biomarkers of severity and therapeutic response, and support the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Therefore, characterizing the immune response, especially at the cellular level, may reveal differences between individuals with distinct clinical forms or disease progression, contributing to a more personalized and effective approach to patient management.