How immune cells trap bacteria that cause diarrhea
Official title: Pyroptotic Macrophages Traps Against Shigella Infection
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-10914092 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in our body, called macrophages, fight off infections from Shigella bacteria, which can cause serious diarrhea, especially in kids, and aims to find better ways to treat and prevent this illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $191,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175731-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914092 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are at risk for Shigella infections or have experienced acute diarrhea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not children or those who do not have a history of Shigella infection or acute diarrhea may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain immune cells, called macrophages, respond to infections caused by Shigella bacteria, which lead to severe diarrhea and dysentery, particularly in children. The study focuses on a process called pyroptosis, where infected macrophages undergo a form of cell death that can trap and neutralize these harmful bacteria. By examining the interactions between macrophages and Shigella, the researchers aim to understand how these immune responses can be harnessed to improve treatment and prevention strategies for shigellosis. The research will involve both laboratory experiments and animal models to explore these mechanisms in detail.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating Shigella infections, potentially reducing the incidence of severe diarrhea in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting immune responses can be effective in managing bacterial infections, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aachoui, Youssef — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Aachoui, Youssef
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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.