How Shigella changes inflammation in the gut lining
Shigella mediated regulation of epithelial cell inflammasomes
['FUNDING_R01'] · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · NIH-11323170
Researchers are looking at how Shigella bacteria change inflammation inside the cells that line the colon to help prevent severe gut infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11323170 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies how Shigella uses injected bacterial proteins to control inflammasomes, the cellular complexes that trigger inflammatory cell death (pyroptosis) in colon lining cells. Scientists will use human intestinal cell models and molecular methods to observe interactions between bacterial effectors and inflammasome components such as caspase-1 and caspase-5. The team may also analyze tissue or stool-derived samples and use imaging to track infected cell behavior and tissue damage. Learning these mechanisms could point to ways to stop bacterial spread in the gut or reduce harmful inflammation during shigellosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recent or recurrent Shigella infection, those at high risk of exposure, or volunteers able to provide stool or tissue samples at the Boston site would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or those with unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to receive direct personal medical benefit from this lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new approaches that prevent Shigella from surviving in the gut and reduce inflammation and tissue injury in infected patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory research has shown inflammasomes play a role in defense and that some bacterial effectors can alter these pathways, but the exact mechanisms in human colonic cells are still being defined.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LESSER, CAMMIE — TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON
- Study coordinator: LESSER, CAMMIE
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.