How heart cells protect themselves from pneumonia bacteria
Official title: Cardiomyocyte self-defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10804646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the pneumonia-causing bacteria can harm heart cells in adults, with the goal of finding ways to help protect the heart from damage during and after pneumonia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | March 7, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $216,857 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176193-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10804646 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have been hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia and are at risk for heart complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of pneumonia or existing heart conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, which causes pneumonia, can damage heart cells and lead to serious heart problems in adults. The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which these bacteria invade heart cells and cause cell death, particularly during and after pneumonia. By examining the interactions between the bacteria and heart cells, researchers aim to uncover potential strategies to protect the heart from damage caused by pneumonia. This could involve exploring how heart cells can defend themselves against bacterial invasion and the subsequent effects on heart function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect heart health in patients recovering from pneumonia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial interactions with heart cells can lead to significant advancements in treating heart-related complications from infections.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orihuela, Carlos J — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Orihuela, Carlos J
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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.