How Shigella flexneri interacts with human gut cells
Host factors in Shigella flexneri infection
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11317010
This project looks at how Shigella flexneri bacteria interact with human gut cells to help prevent and treat severe intestinal infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11317010 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The researchers study how Shigella flexneri uses a type 3 secretion system to form pores in the membranes of human gut cells and deliver bacterial proteins that alter cell behavior. They focus on how host proteins and pathways such as mTORC1 respond to those pores and how those interactions control when bacterial effectors are released. Most experiments use laboratory models like human cell cultures, molecular imaging, and biochemical approaches to observe pore opening, effector translocation, and membrane ruffling. The team aims to identify specific steps that could be blocked or targeted to stop bacterial entry and subsequent disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant appears to be basic laboratory research based at Massachusetts General Hospital and does not enroll patients directly, though people with or at risk for Shigella infection would be the eventual beneficiaries and potential participants in later clinical follow-ups.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated infections or those needing immediate treatment for acute illness are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic lab-focused work in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to block Shigella from entering cells or to target host pathways to reduce infection and intestinal damage.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has identified components of bacterial type 3 secretion systems and effectors like OspB, but this focused examination of pre-invasion translocon activation and host pore interactions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GOLDBERG, MARCIA B — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: GOLDBERG, MARCIA B
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.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections