How our immune system controls Legionnaires' lung infections
Innate immune-mediated control of pulmonary Legionella pneumophila infection
This research explores how our body's natural defenses can fight serious lung infections like Legionnaires' disease, hoping to find new ways to treat them as antibiotics become less effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141633 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Legionnaires' disease is a serious lung infection, and with growing antibiotic resistance, we urgently need new ways to fight these bacteria. This project focuses on understanding how our body's natural immune system, specifically immune cells in the lungs called alveolar macrophages, responds to the *Legionella* bacteria. We are learning how these cells communicate and produce important immune signals, like IL-1, to fight off the infection, even when the bacteria try to block the cell's normal functions. By uncovering these natural defense mechanisms, we aim to discover new targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications would target individuals with severe bacterial lung infections.
Not a fit: Patients without severe bacterial lung infections, particularly those caused by *Legionella*, would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for severe lung infections like Legionnaires' disease, especially important as antibiotic resistance becomes a bigger challenge.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to *Legionella*, and this project builds on those novel discoveries.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shin, Sunny — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Shin, Sunny
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.