Alcohol's effects on immune and metabolic responses during sepsis
Immuno-metabolic dysfunction in alcohol with sepsis
This research explores whether alcohol weakens the immune system during sepsis and whether blocking the protein SIRT2 can improve infection control and survival.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158700 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using mouse models and cell experiments to see how alcohol changes immune cell behavior during sepsis. They focus on a protein called SIRT2 that alcohol appears to turn on and that may reduce white blood cell 'sticking' to blood vessels needed to clear infections. The team compares normal mice and SIRT2-deficient mice, measures leukocyte adhesion, bacterial clearance, and survival, and tests whether blocking SIRT2 reverses alcohol’s harmful effects. The goal is to find a targeted way to restore immune function in people with alcohol use who develop sepsis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with heavy alcohol use or alcohol dependence who develop sepsis or severe bacterial infections are the patients most likely to be relevant for future trials.
Not a fit: Patients without significant alcohol exposure or those with non-infectious critical illnesses may not benefit from SIRT2-based approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that restore immune responses and lower death rates from sepsis in people with heavy alcohol use.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have linked SIRT2 to sepsis outcomes and show promise, but targeting SIRT2 in humans remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vachharajani, Vidula — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Vachharajani, Vidula
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.