How immune-regulating T cells affect Pseudomonas lung infections

Impact of Regulatory T Cells on Host Susceptibility to Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection

['FUNDING_R21'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11230243

This project looks at whether immune-regulating T cells and the molecule adenosine help keep Pseudomonas lung infections under control in people with inflamed or vulnerable airways.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11230243 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

From a patient's point of view, researchers are studying a type of immune cell (regulatory T cells) and a molecule they make (adenosine) that calm airway inflammation. They will use lab and animal models of Pseudomonas pneumonia to see how these cells change the mix of chemicals in the airways and whether that limits bacterial biofilm growth. The team will compare animals or samples with and without the Treg/CD73 pathway and measure inflammation, airway metabolites, and bacterial survival. The goal is to pinpoint airway metabolites that help Pseudomonas persist so future treatments can target those pathways.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with Pseudomonas lung infections or chronically inflamed airways, such as those with cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or recurrent bacterial pneumonia.

Not a fit: People with infections outside the lungs or illnesses driven by noninflammatory causes or nonbacterial pathogens are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost protective immune signals or alter airway chemistry to reduce Pseudomonas lung infections and tissue damage.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show Tregs and the CD73-adenosine pathway can reduce inflammation in animal models, but applying this approach specifically to prevent or limit Pseudomonas lung infections is largely new.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.