How a nutrient transporter in immune cells helps fight bacterial infections
Official title: Role of the solute carrier 15A4 in anti-microbial inflammatory responses and autophagy in dendritic cells
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11450235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher plans to study how a specific nutrient transporter in dendritic cells supports anti-bacterial defenses and immune signaling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $712,776 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI196199-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11450235 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with normal immune function or those with inflammatory conditions where dendritic cell pathways are relevant; the research itself is conducted in cellular models and may not involve direct patient enrollment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without inflammatory or immune-related conditions may not directly benefit from this basic science work.
What this research studies
This project focuses on the SLC15A4 transporter in dendritic cells and how it influences antibacterial responses and autophagy. By using human-like immune cell models, the team will examine how SLC15A4 affects antigen processing and presentation, inflammasome activity, and nutrient sensing through mTORC1. The work aims to map the pathways from nutrient transport to immune signaling, which could reveal new targets to boost defenses against bacterial infections. Results could inform future therapies that modulate immune cell metabolism to enhance infection control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new ways to strengthen immune responses to bacterial infections by targeting nutrient transport and signaling in dendritic cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in immune cells show that metabolic pathways can shape antigen presentation and antibacterial responses, supporting the potential relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mantegazza, Adriana Rita — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Mantegazza, Adriana Rita
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.