Cell death in lung and blood‑vessel cells during melioidosis
Role of non-myeloid cells' pyroptosis in melioidosis
This project looks at whether a type of inflammatory cell death in lung and blood‑vessel cells helps or harms people with melioidosis, a severe bacterial infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285283 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers will use laboratory models of melioidosis to focus on two types of non‑immune cells: lung epithelial cells and blood‑vessel (endothelial) cells. They will turn on or off a protein called caspase‑11 in those cells to see how it changes cell death, inflammation, clotting, and production of signaling molecules like prostaglandin E2. The team will compare whether cell death in lungs helps clear infection while similar processes in blood vessels could worsen clotting and shock. These experiments aim to pinpoint when this inflammatory response is protective versus harmful so future treatments can target the bad effects while keeping the good ones.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with melioidosis or those at high risk of infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei would be the most relevant group for future trials informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients without melioidosis or with unrelated infections are unlikely to benefit directly from this laboratory-focused project, and it does not offer immediate clinical treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to ways to limit dangerous inflammation and blood‑clotting in severe melioidosis while preserving protective immune responses, guiding new therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies show inflammasome‑driven pyroptosis can protect against some bacterial infections but can also drive harmful inflammation and clotting, so the approach remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
North Chicago, United States
- Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci — North Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Re, Fabio C — Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
- Study coordinator: Re, Fabio C
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.