How acidity inside our cells helps fight infections
Elucidating the role of luminal pH in regulating phagosome transport
This project aims to understand how the acidity inside our immune cells helps them move and destroy harmful germs like bacteria and yeast.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Dearborn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dearborn, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161550 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our immune cells, called macrophages, fight off harmful germs by swallowing them and trapping them in a bubble called a phagosome. This bubble then becomes more acidic, which is important for moving the germ to be destroyed. However, some germs, such as certain bacteria and yeast, have learned to trick this process. We want to learn more about how the acidity inside these bubbles helps them move and how germs manage to avoid being destroyed. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to help our bodies fight off infections more effectively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future applications could benefit individuals with infections caused by pathogens like Mycobacteria, Salmonella, or Candida.
Not a fit: Patients not currently affected by infections that evade immune cell defenses would not directly benefit from this specific foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for treating infections caused by pathogens that resist our immune system's natural defenses.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has already revealed a new role for phagosomal pH in governing transport and identified a key regulator, indicating a promising foundation for this continued exploration.
Where this research is happening
Dearborn, United States
- University of Michigan at Dearborn — Dearborn, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kondapalli, Kalyan C — University of Michigan at Dearborn
- Study coordinator: Kondapalli, Kalyan C
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.