How fat-derived inflammation signals make Staph infections worse after the flu
The Role of Eicosanoid-PPAR axis in Exacerbating Post-Influenza Staphylococcus aureus Super-infection
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH · NIH-11248822
This work looks at whether certain inflammation-related fats cause immune cells to stop clearing Staphylococcus aureus after the flu, which can lead to severe pneumonia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11248822 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I get the flu and then develop a dangerous Staphylococcus aureus infection, this research tries to explain why that happens. Scientists use mouse infection models and laboratory analyses to measure lipid molecules (eicosanoids) and how they change during single infections versus flu-plus-Staph super-infections. They study how those lipids activate PPAR proteins and change macrophage behavior, and they use transcriptional and lipidomic methods to track these changes. The team aims to identify lipid signals, like DHET, that derail bacterial clearance so new treatments could be developed in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who recently had influenza and who develop or are at high risk for secondary Staphylococcus aureus lung infection would be the most relevant group for this line of research.
Not a fit: Patients with infections unrelated to influenza or Staphylococcus aureus, or those seeking immediate clinical treatments rather than mechanistic insights, are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or strategies to prevent or reduce life-threatening bacterial pneumonia after influenza.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows eicosanoids and PPARs influence inflammation, but applying these findings specifically to flu-triggered Staphylococcus aureus super-infection and the role of DHET is a newer, less proven area.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TAM, VINCENT — TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH
- Study coordinator: TAM, VINCENT
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.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections, COVID-19 infection, COVID-19 virus infection