How mitochondrial stress affects the body's response to bacterial infections

Mitochondrial stress shapes host responses to bacterial infection

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11109553

This study is looking at how a special fat called cardiolipin affects the immune system's ability to fight off bacterial infections, especially in people with conditions like Barth syndrome, to help find better treatments for infections like MRSA.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11109553 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how mitochondrial stress influences the immune response to bacterial infections, particularly focusing on a lipid called cardiolipin. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which cardiolipin changes location and function during infections, which could impact how the body fights off bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). By examining these processes in both laboratory settings and living organisms, the research seeks to uncover new insights into immune responses that could lead to better treatments for infections. Patients with conditions like Barth syndrome, which is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, may particularly benefit from this research.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with mitochondrial disorders, such as Barth syndrome, who experience recurrent bacterial infections.

Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial infections or those without mitochondrial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing the immune response against bacterial infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial roles in immune responses, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.