How nerve cells in the lungs affect immune responses to severe bacterial infections
Official title: Lung-innervating nociceptor sensory neurons suppresses Ly6chi monocyte responses to promote pneumonic sepsis
Funded at Kansas State University · NIH-11058069 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerve cells in the lungs help the body fight off tough lung infections caused by a bacteria called Klebsiella pneumoniae, with the goal of finding new ways to help people who are seriously ill from these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kansas State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhattan, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $228,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI186057-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058069 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are hospitalized patients with pneumonia caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pneumonia caused by other types of bacteria or those who do not have severe immune suppression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lung-innervating nociceptor sensory neurons in the immune response to carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacteria that causes severe lung infections and sepsis. The study aims to understand how these neurons and the neuropeptides they release can influence the body's ability to fight off this infection. By using various experimental techniques in mice, including manipulating neuronal functions and observing immune responses, the researchers hope to uncover new therapeutic targets for improving outcomes in patients with pneumonic sepsis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the immune response in patients suffering from severe bacterial pneumonia and sepsis.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting nociceptor neurons in this context is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding immune modulation through neuropeptides.
Where this research is happening
-
Kansas State University
Manhattan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baral, Pankaj — Kansas State University
- Study coordinator: Baral, Pankaj
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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.