How MRSA makes lung blood vessels leak and causes severe lung injury
Pathobiology of MRSA-induced Endothelial Permeability and Acute Lung Injury
Researchers are testing new drug-like compounds to protect lung blood vessels from leaking in people with severe lung injury caused by MRSA infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11239032 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on why MRSA infections can make the tiny blood vessels in the lungs become leaky and lead to ARDS. Scientists study endothelial cells (the cells that line blood vessels) and use lab and animal models to track how MRSA disrupts the vascular barrier. They are testing new compounds related to a drug called FTY720 to find versions that tighten the blood-vessel barrier without harmful side effects. The work aims to identify drug targets and safer compounds that could one day be used to help patients with MRSA-related lung injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with severe MRSA infection or MRSA-related sepsis who are at risk of, or have developed, acute respiratory distress syndrome would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose lung injury is due to noninfectious causes or to pathogens other than MRSA may not benefit from MRSA-focused approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could yield safer therapies that reduce lung blood-vessel leakage and lower death or long-term lung damage from MRSA-related ARDS.
How similar studies have performed: Related molecules (S1P and FTY720) have shown blood-vessel–protecting effects in preclinical work but caused concerning side effects, so these analogs represent a novel and only partially tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dudek, Steven M — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Dudek, Steven M
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.