How a specific immune response helps the gonorrhea bacteria infect women
Neisseria gonorrhoeae exploits host interferon epsilon to establish infection in the female urogenital tract
This study is looking at how the gonorrhea bacteria can hide from the immune system in women, focusing on a protein called interferon-epsilon that is influenced by estrogen, to help find better ways to treat infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10867371 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the gonorrhea bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, uses a specific immune response in the female urogenital tract to establish infection. The study focuses on interferon-epsilon (IFN-e), a protein that is influenced by estrogen and plays a role in the immune response. By examining the interaction between estrogen and IFN-e, the researchers aim to understand how this relationship affects the bacteria's ability to evade the immune system and persist in the body. The approach includes using animal models to explore the mechanisms of infection and potential therapeutic interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who are at risk of or currently experiencing gonorrhea infections.
Not a fit: Patients who are not female or those who do not have a history of gonorrhea may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce gonorrhea infections in women.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting IFN-e in relation to gonorrhea is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding bacterial infections and immune responses.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Golenbock, Douglas T — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Golenbock, Douglas T
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.