How pneumococcus harms lung and blood proteins
The oxidation of heme-carrying proteins in the pathophysiology of pneumococcal disease
Researchers are looking at whether hydrogen peroxide made by pneumococcus damages blood and lung proteins and helps the bacteria cause serious pneumonia in children and older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Mississippi Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jackson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11228390 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how Streptococcus pneumoniae makes hydrogen peroxide that can damage proteins in your lungs and blood. In lab experiments, researchers expose lung cells and blood proteins to the bacteria or its hydrogen peroxide to see if oxidation releases heme and iron and helps bacteria form protective biofilms. They use biochemical and molecular tests to follow the steps that lead from protein damage to cell injury and bacteria entering the bloodstream. Understanding these steps could point to new drug targets to stop pneumonia from causing severe lung damage or bloodstream infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant are children and older adults at risk for pneumococcal pneumonia, or patients willing to provide clinical samples if the team recruits participants.
Not a fit: People without pneumococcal infection or those needing immediate clinical treatment probably will not receive direct benefit because this is laboratory-focused research aimed at future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that prevent lung damage and bloodstream infection from pneumococcal pneumonia.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab work has shown pneumococcus produces hydrogen peroxide and can oxidize hemoglobin, supporting this approach, but translating those findings into clinical treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Jackson, United States
- University of Mississippi Med Ctr — Jackson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vidal, Jorge Eugenio — University of Mississippi Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Vidal, Jorge Eugenio
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.