How eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) help the lungs fight bacterial infections
Eosinophils as Effectors of Antibacterial Immunity in the Lungs
Looks at whether eosinophils, which are often high in people with allergic asthma, help protect adults from pneumococcal lung infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11350088 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work follows up on laboratory and animal findings that eosinophils can take up and kill Streptococcus pneumoniae and alter lung inflammation. Researchers will use cell studies and established mouse models that mimic allergic airways and combined viral-bacterial infections to track how eosinophils respond to and clear bacteria. The team will examine both direct killing by eosinophils and indirect effects on other immune cells in the lung. Results will be used to point toward ways to boost natural antibacterial defenses in people with airway disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with allergic asthma or people known to have high blood or airway eosinophil counts would be the most relevant group for follow-up clinical studies or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without airway inflammation, without risk of pneumococcal infection, or whose disease is driven by non-eosinophilic mechanisms are less likely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could point to new treatments or strategies that strengthen natural airway defenses and reduce the severity or risk of pneumococcal pneumonia in people with allergic asthma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work, including the PI's mouse studies and clinical observations from the 2009 influenza pandemic, supports a protective role for eosinophils against viruses and preliminary lab data now suggest antibacterial activity, so this approach builds on encouraging but still novel evidence.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Samarasinghe, Amali E — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Samarasinghe, Amali E
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.