How pneumococcal bacteria spread from the bloodstream into organs
Molecular mechanisms underlying organ penetration in disseminated pneumococcal infection
Researchers are looking at how different types of Streptococcus pneumoniae behave in the blood to find out why some move into organs like the brain or lungs, which could help people with bloodstream infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11222689 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will study pneumococcal strains that differ only in their capsule chemistry and watch how they attach to and enter human blood vessel cells in the lab. They will focus on two receptors (PAFr and the laminin receptor) and on how capsule features such as acetylation change attachment, receptor-mediated uptake, survival inside cells, and movement across vessel walls. The team will use isogenic capsule-switch mutants and both peripheral and brain endothelial cells to map the steps bacteria use to cross into organs. Results are intended to reveal which bacterial types are most likely to invade organs and to inform serotype-based vaccine choices.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have had or are at risk for pneumococcal bacteremia or invasive pneumococcal disease, including those whose pneumonia has spread to the blood.
Not a fit: People with infections caused by other bacteria or those needing immediate lifesaving care would not directly benefit from this lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help predict which pneumococcal types are most likely to cause organ infections and guide better vaccine or prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows capsule type affects pneumococcal invasiveness, but this detailed look at receptor-mediated intracellular trafficking and specific capsule chemistry is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orihuela, Carlos J — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Orihuela, Carlos J
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.