How certain bacteria trigger immune responses in the body
Official title: Bacterial Cholesterol-Dependent Cytolysins in Inflammasome Activation
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11050932 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacterial toxins can trigger a part of your immune system that causes inflammation, and by understanding this process better, we hope to find new ways to help people deal with bacterial infections and their effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | January 24, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $506,394 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI182143-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050932 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with bacterial infections, particularly those caused by pathogens that produce cholesterol-dependent cytolysins.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial infections or those not affected by the specific pathogens studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how bacterial toxins known as cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, a critical component of the immune system. By using advanced imaging techniques and infection models, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which these toxins influence inflammation and immune responses. Understanding these processes could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing bacterial infections and their associated inflammatory responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments that enhance the body's ability to fight bacterial infections while minimizing harmful inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of inflammasome activation in bacterial infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Jueqi — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Chen, Jueqi
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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.