Dr. Cushion's lab has over 30 years of research dedicated to investigating fungal pathogens in the genus Pneumocystis. Fungi in this genus cause an oftentimes lethal pneumonia (PCP) in humans and other mammals with compromised immune status. The niche of these fungi includes patients with underlying chronic diseases, such as COPD or HIV, and those receiving anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive agents. PCP is not responsive to standard antifungal therapy, with few treatment alternatives besides trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The laboratory focuses on pre-clinical drug development that includes the discovery of potential new targets by understanding the metabolism of these obligate fungi; in silico or in vitro screening of inhibitors to identify potential new drugs; evaluation of toxicity in vitro; and eventually evaluation in rodent animal models of this fungal pneumonia. We recently identified that the sexual cycle could be a potential drug target and will be evaluating the processes involved in mating to further extend knowledge in this area. A major impediment in Pneumocystis research has been the lack of a continuous in vitro growth system for these obligate pathogens. The lab is constantly evaluating the effects of supplements based on the understanding of metabolic capacities derived from genomic studies as well as other platforms including alveolar organoids, cell-based co-cultures, and delivery by extracellular vesicles.