How scrub typhus bacteria use ankyrin proteins to affect the body
Orientia tsutsugamushi Ank-host interactions in scrub typhus pathogenesis
Researchers are learning how the scrub typhus germ uses ankyrin proteins to block immune defenses in people infected with scrub typhus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11266224 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at special bacterial proteins called Anks that Orientia tsutsugamushi uses during infection. Scientists will study how these Anks interact with human immune proteins, especially parts of the NF-κB pathway that control inflammation. Work uses lab-grown human cells and molecular tests to see which Anks bind immune factors and change their stability or activity. The team will map which bacterial proteins interfere with immune signals and how that helps the bacterium survive.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had or currently have scrub typhus, or who live in areas where scrub typhus is common and are willing to donate samples, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without scrub typhus or without risk of exposure are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to stop the bacterium from evading immunity and lead to better treatments or preventive strategies for scrub typhus.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown some bacterial ankyrin proteins can block immune signaling, but translating those findings into treatments is still early and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carlyon, Jason a — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Carlyon, Jason a
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.