How eukaryotic organisms defend against bacterial infections
Official title: The origins and evolution of eukaryotic antibacterial defenses
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11090405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the immune systems of different living organisms, especially a type of amoeba, have changed over time to fight off new bacterial infections, helping us understand how our defenses work and adapt.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $376,200 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150681-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11090405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with bacterial infections or those at risk of such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial infections or those not affected by immune response issues may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the evolution of immune responses in eukaryotic organisms, focusing on how these defenses have adapted to combat newly emerged bacterial pathogens. By studying various eukaryotes, particularly the amoeba Dictyostelium, the research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that underpin innate immunity. The approach combines molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry to explore how ancient immune proteins have evolved into modern defense pathways. This work could provide insights into how immune systems function and adapt over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses against bacterial infections in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding immune responses through evolutionary biology, suggesting that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levin, Tera Catherine — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Levin, Tera Catherine
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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.