How plague bacteria affect immune cells (macrophages)
Official title: Yersina perstis interactions with macrophages
Funded at University of North Dakota · NIH-11128585 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how the bacteria that cause plague stop certain immune cells from responding, to help guide better treatments and defenses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Dakota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Forks, United States) |
| Project start | May 13, 2016 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $68,137 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM113123-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128585 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants would be people in regions where plague is endemic or those able to provide clinical samples for observational or biospecimen studies, although much of the work uses lab and animal models.
✕Less likely to help
People not at risk for plague or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to get direct benefit because this is focused on basic mechanisms rather than a therapeutic trial.
What this research studies
Researchers use bacterial genomes and lab models to understand why plague infections often fail to trigger early inflammation, focusing on macrophage behavior during the first stages of infection. They compare different Yersinia species and ancient-to-modern genomes and study virulence mechanisms such as the type III secretion system in mice and primate models. The team aims to clarify how macrophage polarization is altered so infections become necrotic rather than inflamed. Findings could identify biological targets for therapies or vaccines that restore early immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost early immune responses, potentially leading to treatments or preventive measures that reduce severe plague disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work on Yersinia virulence factors and the type III secretion system has clarified how the bacteria suppress immune responses, but detailed understanding of early macrophage polarization in plague remains less explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nilles, Matthew L. — University of North Dakota
- Study coordinator: Nilles, Matthew L.
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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.