How fats affect the body's response to plague
Impact of inflammatory lipids on Yersinia pestis infection
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE · NIH-11109484
This research explores how specific fat molecules in the body influence the immune system's reaction to plague, aiming to find new ways to fight this serious infection.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11109484 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Plague is a severe human illness where the body's immune response is often delayed, allowing the bacteria to spread. We know that the Yersinia pestis bacteria, which causes plague, actively stops the body from creating helpful inflammation using special proteins. Our work focuses on understanding how these bacteria interfere with important fat molecules, called lipid mediators, that normally kickstart the immune system. By uncovering how plague bacteria manipulate these fats, we hope to discover new ways to help the body fight off the infection more effectively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for anyone interested in the basic mechanisms of plague infection and future therapeutic developments.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments for plague would not directly benefit from this early-stage basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help the body's immune system respond faster and more effectively to plague.
How similar studies have performed: While the general role of lipid mediators in inflammation is known, their specific role in plague infection has not been widely investigated, making this a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE — LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LAWRENZ, MATTHEW B — UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
- Study coordinator: LAWRENZ, MATTHEW B
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