Cell-made vesicles that carry Salmonella pieces to help the immune system
The Function of Host-derived Extracellular Vesicles in Trafficking of Bacterial Antigens to Stimulate the Antibacterial Immune Response
This project looks at whether tiny particles released by your own cells can carry Salmonella components and help the immune system learn to fight dangerous Salmonella infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309097 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how small vesicles (exosomes) made by infected immune cells move bacterial antigens to other cells and trigger immune responses. Scientists will analyze which Salmonella components end up in these vesicles and how those components are loaded and presented to the immune system. Work will use laboratory cell systems and animal models, including testing if giving these vesicles by the nose leads to antibody and T‑cell responses. The goal is to use those findings to guide new ways to prevent or reduce serious Salmonella infections in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for eventual human studies would be people at increased risk for severe Salmonella infection—for example travelers to high-risk areas or people with weakened immune systems—if and when clinical trials are offered.
Not a fit: People not at risk for Salmonella infections or those seeking immediate clinical treatment for unrelated conditions are unlikely to get direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new vaccine or preventive approaches that better protect people from severe Salmonella infections.
How similar studies have performed: Early lab and animal work has shown that exosomes from infected immune cells can prompt antibody and T‑cell responses, but translating this into safe, effective human vaccines remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferraro, Mariola Jadwiga — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Ferraro, Mariola Jadwiga
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.