How Listeria bacteria invade the nervous system
Official title: Invasion of the enteric nervous system by neurotropic Listeria monocytogenes
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10877190 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a bacteria called Listeria can get into the nervous system and cause serious brain infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems, to help us understand how it crosses from the gut to the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $591,606 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI167953-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877190 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with compromised immune systems or those at risk for Listeria infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for Listeria infections or have no underlying health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Listeria monocytogenes, a type of bacteria, can invade the enteric nervous system and potentially lead to serious brain infections. The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which these bacteria cross the blood-brain barrier and the role of the intestines in this process. By examining the behavior of these bacteria in both immune-compromised and healthy individuals, the researchers aim to uncover critical factors that contribute to neurotropism. This could involve using animal models to simulate the infection process and analyze the bacteria's interactions with the nervous system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for brain infections caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial infections and their mechanisms, but this specific approach to studying Listeria's neurotropism is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: D'orazio, Sarah E. F. — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: D'orazio, Sarah E. F.
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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.