How prostaglandin E2 affects the immune system in mosquitoes
Official title: Influence of prostaglandin E2 on insect innate immune function
Funded at Iowa State University · NIH-11050174 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called prostaglandin E2 affects the immune system of mosquitoes, specifically Anopheles gambiae, to understand how they fight off infections and could help us find ways to influence their immune responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ames, United States) |
| Project start | January 17, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $512,581 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI177540-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050174 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are those interested in the biological mechanisms of insect immunity, particularly in relation to mosquito-borne diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in research related to insect biology or mosquito-borne diseases may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the immune response of the mosquito species Anopheles gambiae. By examining how PGE2 influences both cellular and humoral immunity, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind immune activation and pathogen resistance in these insects. The research employs advanced methodologies, including single-cell analysis and genetic tools, to explore the effects of PGE2 on immune cell function and signaling pathways. This could provide insights into how mosquitoes respond to infections and how their immune systems can be manipulated.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for controlling mosquito-borne diseases by enhancing our understanding of mosquito immunity.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on PGE2 in mosquito immunity is relatively novel, there have been successful studies exploring immune responses in other insect models.
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa State University
Ames, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Ryan C. — Iowa State University
- Study coordinator: Smith, Ryan C.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Role of BCAR4 lncRNA in placental cell differentiation
A small NIH grant is funding research into how a placenta-specific RNA, BCAR4, helps placental cells mature properly during pregnancy.
-
Leucine-rich repeat peptide drugs to boost cancer therapy
A new grant is exploring tiny protein fragments from decorin and biglycan, delivered in nanoparticles, to help existing cancer drugs work better and overcome resistance.
-
Modular platform to design bottromycin antibiotics
A new, scalable way to make bottromycin antibiotics and test smartly designed versions that could treat drug-resistant bacteria.
-
Next-generation tiny, wireless photoacoustic imaging with LED light for cancer care
A small, battery-powered system uses fast LED light to create real-time images of blood vessels and lymphatics to help cancer patients and others with related conditions.
-
Fighting filarial infections with smarter drug targets
A new study at Iowa State University is exploring how certain parasite channels respond to drugs to develop better treatments for lymphatic filariasis and related infections.
-
Surveillance of antibiotic resistance in bacteria from meat and seafood sold in Iowa
This project watches for antibiotic-resistant bacteria in raw retail meat and seafood in Iowa to help protect people, animals, and the environment.
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.