How HLA genes affect risk of Staph bloodstream infection
HLA Fine Mapping to Elucidate S. aureus Susceptibility
The team is looking for differences in immune-system (HLA) genes that might explain why some people get Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164637 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses DNA and clinical data from a large group of people who had Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia to find HLA class II gene variants linked to infection risk. Researchers will apply high-density genotyping and imputation across an internationally assembled SABG cohort that includes diverse ancestries. Identified HLA variants will be refined and tested using laboratory models to see how they change immune responses to S. aureus. The work combines human genetic data with functional experiments to point to biological mechanisms behind vulnerability to these infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people who have had a Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection or who can provide DNA and linked clinical information, especially individuals of European and African ancestry.
Not a fit: People without a history of S. aureus infection or those seeking immediate treatment for an active infection are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from this genetic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help identify people at higher risk for Staph bloodstream infections and inform prevention or targeted treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior genome-wide studies from this group found HLA class II associations with S. aureus infections in European and African-American patients, but this project aims to refine and functionally test those findings.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fowler, Vance G. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Fowler, Vance G.
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.