Possible Target for Novel Antifungal Therapy Revealed

Durham, N.C. (May 2009) — William Steinbach, MD, an associate professor of Pediatrics and assistant professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and coworkers recently established that an Aspergillus fumigatus calcineurin-binding protein called calcipressin is involved in hyphal growth and calcium homeostasis and is essential for full virulence in animal models of aspergillosis, suggesting utility as a possible target for novel antifungal therapy. This work was published in Eukaryotic Cell in April 2009.

In addition, Steinbach received the 2009 Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society Young Investigator of the Year Award for his work on the molecular pathogenesis of Aspergillus fumigatus as well as his clinical work in advancing the fields of diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal infections in children. Steinbach was honored at the Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting on Monday, May 4, 2009 at the Hilton Baltimore Convention Center.

New England Journal of Medicine
Review of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillosis [PDF, 102 KB]