How skin and fat interact in severe Group A strep infections
Skin-Adipose axis in HLA-II mouse models of Group A Streptococcus infection
This work looks at whether turning on a protein called PPARγ can help restore healthy fat cell function after severe Group A strep infections that damage skin and soft tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Dakota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Forks, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128588 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using mouse models that carry human immune genes to mimic how Group A Streptococcus (GAS) spreads into the fat layer under the skin during necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI). They will measure whether the bacteria cause a drop in PPARγ activity and block new fat-cell formation, and then give PPARγ-activating compounds to see if fat cell function and local metabolism recover. The goal is to learn how these changes affect healing and to identify host-directed approaches that could be used alongside antibiotics. Findings are intended to guide future diagnostic tests and personalized therapies for people who suffer NSTI.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had, are recovering from, or are at high risk for necrotizing soft tissue infections caused by Group A Streptococcus would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People with skin or fat problems not caused by Group A strep, or whose care focuses solely on non-infectious conditions, are unlikely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new adjunct treatments that help tissue heal and restore healthy fat function after severe necrotizing Group A strep infections.
How similar studies have performed: Activating PPARγ has improved fat cell function in other laboratory and animal models of metabolic disease, but applying this approach specifically to necrotizing Group A strep infections is largely new and untested.
Where this research is happening
Grand Forks, United States
- University of North Dakota — Grand Forks, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nookala, Suba — University of North Dakota
- Study coordinator: Nookala, Suba
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.