How a cell stress sensor (IRE1α) helps lungs fight infection
Regulation of Pulmonary Host Defenses by the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Sensor IRE1α
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · LOUISIANA STATE UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE · NIH-11115636
Seeing if boosting a cell stress sensor called IRE1α can help lungs and immune cells fight MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | LOUISIANA STATE UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BATON ROUGE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11115636 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have a lung infection, this project aims to learn whether a cell stress sensor called IRE1α boosts your immune cells' ability to clear bacteria. Researchers will study immune cells and lung tissue responses in lab models and mice, and look at how infection and air pollutants trigger ER stress pathways. The team builds on earlier work showing IRE1α increases reactive oxygen species, NET formation, and inflammatory signals that help kill MRSA. Findings are intended to point toward new therapies that strengthen the body's own defenses rather than relying only on antibiotics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with MRSA lung infections, recurrent bacterial lung infections, or chronic lung diseases that raise infection risk would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without lung infections or with conditions unrelated to bacterial infection may not receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that strengthen lung immune defenses against antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and mouse studies show IRE1α supports immune killing of MRSA, but translating this approach to human lung infections remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
BATON ROUGE, UNITED STATES
- LOUISIANA STATE UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE — BATON ROUGE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ABUAITA, BASEL HANNA — LOUISIANA STATE UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE
- Study coordinator: ABUAITA, BASEL HANNA
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.