How certain cell deaths affect infections from a specific bacteria
Official title: Role of non-myeloid cells' pyroptosis in melioidosis
Funded at Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci · NIH-11038031 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special kind of cell death affects the body’s response to infections from a germ that causes melioidosis, and it aims to find ways to boost the good responses while reducing any harm, which could help improve treatments for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | March 17, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $491,790 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175174-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038031 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals at risk for melioidosis, particularly those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by bacterial infections or do not have risk factors for melioidosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific type of cell death, called pyroptosis, in the context of infections caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which leads to a disease known as melioidosis. The study focuses on how the activation of certain proteins (caspase-1 and caspase-11) in different types of cells can either protect the body from infection or cause harmful effects. By using mouse models, researchers aim to understand the balance between protective and harmful responses in the lungs and blood vessels during infection. This knowledge could help in developing new treatments that enhance protective responses while minimizing damage to the body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for melioidosis and similar bacterial infections by harnessing the body's immune responses.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of inflammasomes in infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
North Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Re, Fabio C — Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
- Study coordinator: Re, Fabio C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving Diabetic Foot Ulcer Offloading with User-Friendly Cast Walker Design
A small pilot study to see how different removable cast walker designs affect daily use and healing of diabetic foot ulcers.
-
How the liver's ketone production affects muscle loss and recovery in pancreatic cancer
This project looks at whether helping the liver make ketones can prevent muscle wasting and aid recovery for people with pancreatic cancer.
-
How the amygdala and social behavior develop during adolescence
Studying how experiences in adolescence shape the brain’s social circuits to help understand and prevent lifelong social difficulties.
-
Targeting Vasopressin and Oxytocin Receptors to Treat Anxiety and Fear
Researchers are testing how brain chemical signals related to vasopressin and oxytocin in the BNST region affect fear and anxiety, with the goal of identifying new ways to treat anxiety disorders.
-
Role of TAM receptors in humoral immunity and malaria
A doctor-science team is studying how a specific immune pathway (TAM receptors on B cells) affects antibody responses to malaria and whether blocking this pathway could improve immunity.
-
Understanding rejection sensitivity and mental health in LGBTQ+ teens
A long-term study follows LGBTQ+ adolescents to see how worries about rejection affect their mood and mental well-being.
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.