How a human immune sensor called NLRP11 responds to bacterial LPS
Human NLRP11 function in non-canonical inflammasome activation by bacterial pathogen LPS
Researchers are looking at whether the human protein NLRP11 helps immune cells detect bacterial LPS and trigger protective responses in people exposed to gram-negative bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11283978 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how NLRP11, an immune sensor found in humans, helps cells sense bacterial LPS and activate caspase-driven inflammatory responses. Scientists will use human macrophage cells, genetic tools to turn NLRP11 on or off, and different forms of bacterial LPS (including from Shigella) to map how these molecules interact. They will run biochemical and cellular assays to see how NLRP11 binds LPS and connects to caspase-4/5 signaling that leads to cell death and inflammation. The goal is to clarify early immune reactions to gram-negative bacteria that could inform future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with severe or recurrent infections caused by gram-negative bacteria (for example Shigella) or those willing to donate blood or immune cells for research would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People whose illnesses are caused by viruses, fungi, non-infectious conditions, or who are unlikely to provide biological samples would not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to limit harmful inflammation or boost protective responses during serious gram-negative bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: This builds on recent discoveries that NLRP11 can sense cytosolic LPS in human cells, but detailed mechanisms and clinical translation remain novel and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldberg, Marcia B — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Goldberg, Marcia B
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.