How rare tuft cells in the gut help fight intestinal infections
The role of the tuft cell inflammasome in infection
This project is looking at whether tuft cells in the lining of the intestine help protect people from bacterial gut infections by sending chemical signals to immune cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247101 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use lab experiments and animal models to activate or block the NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome specifically in tuft cells and then measure effects on bacterial colonization. They will measure released signaling molecules such as prostaglandin D2 and inflammatory cytokines like IL-22 and track responses from nearby immune cells called ILC3s. Genetic tools and tissue analyses will be used to map the communication between tuft cells and immune cells and to link those signals to protection against bacterial gastroenteritis. The work focuses on the small intestine and aims to reveal how tuft cells influence local antibacterial defenses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with bacterial gut infections, recurrent intestinal bacterial colonization, or those willing to provide intestinal tissue or biospecimens would be most relevant for follow-up or related clinical work.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial gastrointestinal conditions or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost the gut's natural defenses or inspire treatments that reduce bacterial intestinal infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show that epithelial inflammasomes can protect against gut bacteria, but applying this specifically to tuft cells and their prostaglandin D2 signaling is a newer finding with promising preliminary data.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rauch, Isabella — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Rauch, Isabella
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.