Biomimetic macrophage-coated nanosponges for deadly hospital pneumonia
Official title: Biomimetic Macrophage Membrane-Coated Nanosponges: A Novel Therapeutic for Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii Hospital-Associated Pneumonia
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11377015 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, macrophage-membrane wrapped nanoparticle therapy is being tested to help treat pneumonia caused by multidrug‑resistant bacteria in hospitalized patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $972,869 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176554-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377015 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for hospital‑associated pneumonia caused by multidrug‑resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Acinetobacter baumannii, particularly those requiring intensive care or ventilation.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not respond to this nanoparticle therapy or may have contraindications to nanoparticle treatments.
What this research studies
This grant supports developing biomimetic macrophage membrane‑coated nanosponges to combat severe pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii in hospital settings. The approach aims to both fight the bacteria and modulate the lung’s inflammatory response in critically ill patients who are often on ventilators. The research will involve creating the nanoparticle therapy and testing its safety and potential effectiveness in models and early clinical contexts. If successful, this could offer a new option for patients with limited treatment choices due to antibiotic resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with hard‑to‑treat hospital‑acquired pneumonia could have a new therapy that helps clear infection while reducing lung damage.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work on bioinspired nanoparticle approaches shows promise, but this exact macrophage‑membrane coated strategy for MDR pneumonia is relatively novel and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nizet, Victor — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Nizet, Victor
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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.