How the immune protein ZBP1 controls responses to bacterial LPS
Regulation of LPS-responses by ZBP1
['FUNDING_R01'] · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · NIH-11170565
This project looks at whether the immune sensor ZBP1 helps limit harmful inflammation and protect people from bacterial infections that trigger LPS responses.
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-11170565 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying how the immune protein ZBP1 helps form a protein complex (the "TRIFosome") that activates caspase-8 and leads to inflammatory cell death in macrophages after exposure to bacterial LPS. The team uses lab experiments with immune cells and in vivo infection models to trace how ZBP1 moves other proteins into the TRIFosome and changes inflammatory signaling. They will examine molecular interactions, cell responses, and animal outcomes during infection with bacteria such as Yersinia. The goal is to map this pathway so new therapies could later be developed to reduce harmful inflammation or improve bacterial clearance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by Gram-negative bacterial infections, sepsis, or conditions with excessive LPS-driven inflammation would be the most directly relevant group.
Not a fit: Patients with illnesses caused by non-bacterial mechanisms or infections that do not involve LPS-driven inflammation are less likely to benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce dangerous inflammation or strengthen defenses against Gram-negative bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory work supports roles for caspase-8 and ZBP1 in immune responses, but the TRIFosome mechanism linking ZBP1 to LPS-driven inflammation is a novel finding not yet tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: POLTORAK, ALEXANDER — TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON
- Study coordinator: POLTORAK, ALEXANDER
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