How regulatory T cells affect susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections
Official title: Impact of Regulatory T Cells on Host Susceptibility to Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11017326 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called regulatory T cells help control inflammation and fight off infections from a common germ that can cause lung problems, especially in people with weakened immune systems, to find new ways to treat bacterial pneumonia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | November 12, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $239,348 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI181780-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017326 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autoimmune conditions or those at risk for bacterial pneumonia due to compromised immune function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have autoimmune conditions or are not at risk for bacterial pneumonia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in controlling inflammation and protecting against infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common pathogen. The study focuses on how Tregs produce adenosine to mitigate inflammatory responses in the lungs, potentially preventing tissue damage and bacterial persistence. By analyzing the airway metabolome, the research aims to understand how Tregs influence the environment that allows this bacterium to thrive, particularly in individuals with compromised immune responses. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing bacterial pneumonia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with bacterial pneumonia, particularly those with weakened immune systems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that regulatory T cells play a significant role in modulating immune responses, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into bacterial infections.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Riquelme Colet, Sebastian Alejandro — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Riquelme Colet, Sebastian Alejandro
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.