Epigenetic changes linked to Legionella survival in lung cells
Official title: Role of epigenetic changes in intracellular survival and replication of Legionell pneumophila
Funded at Western Kentucky University · NIH-11397346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Western Kentucky University will explore how Legionella pneumophila may use host cell epigenetics to survive and replicate in lung cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Western Kentucky University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bowling Green, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $176,923 |
| NIH project number | 5R16AI177410-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with compromised lung immunity or patients at risk for Legionnaires’ disease who may benefit from improved prevention and treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals with normal immune function may be less directly impacted by the findings.
What this research studies
Researchers will focus on how Legionella bacteria alter the gene activity of alveolar macrophages inside the lungs, potentially through changes in the host cell’s epigenetic state. The project will examine Legionella nucleomodulins that enter the cell nucleus and may modify gene expression to support bacterial growth. By mapping where these bacterial proteins go and how they affect host gene regulation, the study aims to uncover new targets for preventing infection. Results could inform future therapies to protect people with weakened immune systems from Legionnaires’ disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new strategies to prevent or treat Legionella infections, especially in vulnerable patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown bacterial effectors can alter host gene expression, but the specific nucleomodulin mechanisms in Legionella are still being defined.
Where this research is happening
-
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Banga, Simran — Western Kentucky University
- Study coordinator: Banga, Simran
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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.