How Chlamydia changes inside human cells
Host-pathogen interactions controlling Chlamydia developmental cycle
This work looks at how the bacteria that cause genital chlamydia switch between infectious and growing forms to help people affected by chlamydia in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10892799 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use specially modified Chlamydia bacteria and human cell experiments to follow the bug as it changes between infectious and replicating forms. They combine bacterial genetics, cell biology, and gene activity (transcriptomics) to pinpoint a bacterial membrane protein that seems important early and late in the infection cycle. The project tests how that protein interacts with human cell factors and whether those interactions drive damage to reproductive tissues. Findings could highlight new targets for treatments or vaccines down the road.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll patients and focuses on laboratory experiments rather than recruiting people.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment or clinical care for chlamydia should not expect direct or immediate benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to prevent or treat chlamydia and reduce long-term problems like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has mapped parts of Chlamydia's life cycle and host interactions, but using a conditional inclusion membrane mutant to link early and late roles is a newer approach with promising preliminary data.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Derre, Isabelle — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Derre, Isabelle
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.