How certain bacteria in the lungs help protect against pneumonia
Official title: Airway Prevotella enhance innate immune-mediated protection against lung infection
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11023121 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a friendly type of bacteria in our airways, called Prevotella melaninogenica, might help protect against pneumonia caused by another bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae, by boosting our immune system, and it aims to find ways to use this knowledge to keep our lungs healthier and lower the chances of getting pneumonia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 20, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $491,669 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172958-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023121 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for bacterial pneumonia, such as those with compromised immune systems or chronic respiratory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for bacterial pneumonia or who have already been diagnosed with severe pneumonia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of beneficial bacteria in the airway, specifically Prevotella melaninogenica, in protecting against bacterial pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. By using an animal model, the study examines how these bacteria enhance the immune response, particularly through the activation of neutrophils and the production of important immune signals like TNFα. The goal is to understand how these interactions can be optimized to improve lung health and reduce pneumonia incidence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing bacterial pneumonia by harnessing the protective effects of beneficial airway bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the protective roles of airway microbiota in respiratory health, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clark, Sarah E — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Clark, Sarah E
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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.