How bacteria affect the defenses of corneal cells

Inflammasome-mediated corneal epithelial cell defenses inhibited by pathogenic bacteria

['FUNDING_R01'] · LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO · NIH-11093409

This study looks at how a germ called Pseudomonas aeruginosa interacts with the cells that protect your eyes, helping us understand how it can cause infections and how we might find better treatments for those infections.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorLOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MAYWOOD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11093409 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa interacts with corneal epithelial cells, which are crucial for protecting the eye from infections. The study focuses on understanding how this bacterium can invade these cells and evade the immune response, particularly through the action of a toxin called ExoS. By examining the mechanisms that allow the bacteria to survive and replicate within the corneal cells, the research aims to uncover new insights into corneal infections and potential therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from findings that could lead to improved treatments for eye infections caused by this pathogen.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who wear soft contact lenses and are at risk for corneal infections.

Not a fit: Patients who do not wear contact lenses or have no history of corneal infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating corneal infections, potentially preserving vision for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding bacterial interactions with host cells, but this specific approach to studying corneal infections is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

MAYWOOD, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.